4 MLB managers that should be fired
Dave Martinez
It took Dave Martinez far longer than anyone had expected to get his first chance as an MLB manager. He probably will not need to wait as long for a second opportunity.
Martinez has had a strange tenure with the Nationals. They were two games over .500 in his first season on the bench and had been 19-31 after 50 games in 2019. Then, after the bullpen was entirely remade from the scrap heap during the season, the Nationals went on a tear, earning a Wild Card berth and winning the World Series.
The subsequent years have not been as kind. Washington has not finished better than fourth in the NL East since, and find themselves in the basement once again. Yes, the Nationals are rebuilding and injuries have been a major factor, but they are also attempting to prove to Juan Soto that they are going to be contending for another title in the near future.
At this point, it is fair to wonder if a change is needed. After all, this is the team that moved on from Dusty Baker after he won 90+ games in his two seasons in Washington. If that level of success is the expectation, then Martinez has fallen far short.
The Washington Nationals are going to need to show signs of progress soon if they hope to keep Juan Soto. That may include moving on from Dave Martinez.
Mike Matheny
Mike Matheny was not exactly a popular choice when the Kansas City Royals hired him to take over for Ned Yost. However, the organization hoped that he would be able to guide their young players as they began their MLB careers, leading the team back to glory.
That was supposed to begin this year. The Royals had designs on contending, claiming that they were about to emerge from their rebuilding project. And yet, they have managed to be bad enough where the Reds, who started 3-22 on the season, have passed them in the standings.
One change has already been made. The Royals did fire their hitting coach back on May 16. However, that has done absolutely nothing as they have continued to spiral down the standings. It is time for other changes to be made as well.
Unless the Royals turn their season around soon, it will be time for even more changes. The entire coaching staff should be on the chopping block, including Matheny. He does not seem to be the manager needed to get the Royals’ youngsters to that next level.
The Kansas City Royals need to do something to contend. Getting rid of Mike Matheny and the rest of the coaching staff would be a good start.
Tony La Russa
The Chicago White Sox decision to hire Tony La Russa ahead of the 2021 season was a shock. While La Russa is a Hall of Fame manager, it had been over a decade since he had been on an MLB bench. It was fair to wonder if the game had passed him by.
The White Sox did win the AL Central last season, but that was due as much to the mediocrity of the division as it was to anything La Russa did on the bench. This year, faced with a division that has improved, the White Sox have been one of the biggest disappointments in MLB in 2022.
Injuries have not helped. However, La Russa has also made multiple questionable decisions with his bullpen usage. He has sent Liam Hendriks back to the mound after he had tweaked his back when he slipped on the dugout steps. He has taken too long to pull pitchers that clearly have nothing left.
At this point, it appears as though the biggest issue with the White Sox moving forward is La Russa. The game truly has passed him by and he shows no interest in changing. If the White Sox are going to fulfill their potential, they need to admit their mistake and make a change.
Biggest surprises and disappointments on each AL team. dark. Next
The Chicago White Sox shocked everyone when they hired Tony La Russa. That decision is holding this team back.