In the high-stakes world of Major League Baseball, coaches have a significant role in shaping the destiny of their teams. Their influence extends beyond the dugout, from strategic decisions to player development. This gallery ranks the top 15 MLB managers from worst to best, highlighting their unique contributions to the sport.
15. Skip Schumaker—Miami Marlins
Before hiring Skip Schumaker for the 2023 season, the Marlins had made only one postseason appearance since their 2003 World Series win and cycled through nine managers. Schumaker, promoted from baseball operations to associate manager, led the team to 84 wins and a postseason spot, though Philadelphia defeated them.
14. Rob Thomson—Philadelphia Phillies
In 2022, Thomson revitalized a struggling Phillies team, improving their record from 22-29 to 65-46 and leading them to the World Series. In 2023, they reached Game 7 of the NLCS before falling to Arizona. Thomson’s leadership has secured 19 playoff wins, highlighting his exceptional coaching skills.
13. Scott Servais—Seattle Mariners
With high expectations following back-to-back 90-win seasons in 2021 and 2022, Servais and the Mariners fell short of the playoffs despite winning 88 games in 2023. As the World Series champion Rangers and the Astros loom large, Servais faces a pivotal year to lead the talented Seattle team to postseason success.
12. Brandon Hyde—Baltimore Orioles
After a tough start with the Orioles, Hyde revitalized the team in 2022, guiding them to 83 wins. The success persisted with a 101-win season and an AL East title in 2023. Under Hyde’s leadership, the Orioles have evolved from a struggling team to a strong future contender.
11. Aaron Boone—New York Yankees
Aaron Boone is one of the most transformative coaches for the Yankees. He guides his team with exceptional leadership and insightful skills that have won the team a solid 509-361 record over six seasons. Even though Boone hasn’t yet secured a World Series, he is always dedicated to developing talent using his tactical acumen. Ask Gleyber Torres, Clarke Schmidt, and Oswald Pereza!
10. Dave Martinez—Washington Nationals
Signed through 2025 with a 2026 club option, Martinez, who guided Washington to the 2019 World Series, excels in managing young talent. His patience and game insight help him handle frequent mistakes. Last season, his team surpassed expectations with 71 wins, suggesting even better prospects for the Nats in 2024.
9. Alex Cora—Boston Red Sox
Despite his managerial skills, the Red Sox have had a tough recent year due to a weak roster. With a 78-84 record in the past two seasons and low expectations for 2024, Cora’s redemption from the Astros’ scandal hasn’t significantly improved the team’s performance since their 2018 World Series win. Yet, the Sox have a chance to bounce back with Cora at the helm.
8. Torey Lovullo—Arizona Diamondbacks
In his debut season as Arizona’s manager in 2017, the team won 93 games and reached the NL Wild Card game. Despite a struggle over the next five years, the Diamondbacks made a remarkable comeback in 2023, sweeping the Dodgers in the NLDS and winning the NL Pennant. Lovullo is highly esteemed for his strong connection with players.
7. A.J. Hinch—Detroit Tigers
The Tigers could secure the American League Central title in 2024. With Hinch beginning his fourth season after his Houston tenure, the team faces the season with elevated expectations. Despite skepticism about his past, Hinch remains a top-tier manager, poised for success.
6. Bob Melvin—San Francisco Giants
With 1,517 big-league managerial victories and three Manager of the Year awards, Melvin is adept at maximizing his teams’ potential, particularly noted during his tenure with the Oakland Athletics. Though his time with the Padres ended disappointingly in 2023, he aims to revive the Giants as an underdog in the National League West.
5. Kevin Cash—Tampa Bay Rays
Few would criticize Cash, and rightly so. Over nine seasons with the Rays, he has turned them into a postseason mainstay with a 739-617 record. Known for innovative strategies and analytics, Cash has secured five straight playoff berths, two AL East titles (2020, 2021), and a second World Series appearance.
4. Brian Snitker—Atlanta Braves
Entering the 2024 season with a contract through 2025, the Braves manager has guided the team to six straight playoffs and won 101 and 104 games over the last two years. He led them to their first World Series title since 1995 and remains a key figure in Atlanta’s success.
3. Dave Roberts—Los Angeles Dodgers
Despite the Dodgers’ 2023 postseason letdown, Dave Roberts’ tenure since 2016 showcases an impressive record. With a .632 winning percentage—third highest in MLB history—Roberts has led the team to a 753-442 record, seven NL West titles, three World Series appearances, and a 2020 championship, ensuring consistent postseason success.
2. Craig Counsell—Chicago Cubs
Before joining the Chicago Cubs, Counsell set a record as Milwaukee’s all-time winningest manager with 707 victories. The Brewers maintained a winning record over his last six seasons, excluding the COVID year. Despite his acclaim as one of baseball’s best managers, Counsell has yet to win a World Series.
1. Bruce Bochy—Texas Rangers
With 2,093 career wins, Bruce Bochy is the only active MLB manager to surpass 2,000 wins. After a three-year break, he returned last year and led the Rangers to 90 wins and their first World Series title. Bochy has had four World Series titles since 2010, joining an elite group of managers.
Top 15 MLB Managers, Ranked