The latest MLB managers survey revealed what skippers fear and admire most under pressure, as they shared candid thoughts during last week’s Winter Meetings in Orlando. The questions ranged from who they’d least want to face with the game on the line, to which ace they’d most want on their side, and which peer managers they respect the most. Here’s a close look at the insights from all 30 managers, along with their broader reflections on the sport’s direction and upcoming changes.
If you could change one MLB rule as commissioner, what would you alter?
- Craig Albernaz, Orioles: He’d keep the game as is, expressing a strong affection for baseball in its current form.
- Warren Schaeffer, Rockies: Proposed giving teams every Monday off, mirroring the minor leagues. In Colorado’s environment, a six-man rotation could be feasible, with a built-in weekly rest period and opportunities to insert extra off-days.
- Pat Murphy, Brewers: Suggested removing certain shadows and eliminating device use among outfielders to prevent collisions, prioritizing player safety.
Thoughts on MLB’s new ball/strike challenge system coming next season
- Albernaz: Treated as a natural evolution—teams will adjust as the rule rolls out. He notes Cleveland served as a live test site, providing practical demonstrations of how challenges might unfold.
- Craig Stammen, Padres: Anticipates a boost in fan engagement and a new strategic layer to study—teams will decide when and who uses the challenges, adding tactical depth.
- Clayton McCullough, Marlins: Spring-time testing gave a taste of different phases of the game where challenges matter, and he’s curious to see how players react and adapt while acknowledging umpires’ demanding workload.
- Blake Butera, Nationals: Excited by the change, given his familiarity with its use in the minor leagues. He highlights how challenges could temper on-ice chatter from dugouts and emphasize the umpiring quality in the majors.
- Terry Francona, Reds: Initially hesitant, but after league leaders’ request to trial it, he joined in and found the experience positive, noting fans appreciated the scoreboard-driven pace and overall smoothness.
Biggest takeaway from this year’s thrilling postseason
- Rob Thomson, Phillies: Emphasized the high level of competition, even in series the Phillies lost, with World Series games delivering dramatic, edge-of-seat moments.
- Oliver Marmol, Cardinals: Described the postseason as among the most electric in recent memory, with a vibrant atmosphere and palpable excitement.
- Murphy: Highlighted the intensity of every inning, stressing that postseason pressure tests stamina and momentum in a way the regular season doesn’t.
- Albernaz: Called the postseason experience simply “awesome” baseball.
Which heavy-hitting opponent would you least want to face in a clutch moment?
- Warren Schaeffer: Picked Shohei Ohtani for his undeniable clutch potential.
- Skip Schumaker, Rangers: Chose Freddie Freeman, noting his balanced approach, ability to hit to all fields, and readiness to work counts. He’s wary of facing Freeman more than facing Ohtani.
- Murphy: Freeman has consistently forced tough at-bats and delivered when stakes are highest.
- Torey Lovullo, Diamondbacks: Affirmed Freeman’s ability to study a pitcher, adjust on the fly, and produce a timely hit or a quality at-bat.
- Clayton McCullough: Named Kyle Schwarber, praising his growing effectiveness against lefties and his capacity to crush velocity, making the field feel noticeably smaller when he’s in the box.
- Stammen: Added Mookie Betts as a perennial tough out who brings relentless at-bats and strategic hitting prowess.
Which pitcher outside your own team would you most trust with the season on the line?
- Stammen: Cites Paul Skenes or Tarik Skubal as two of the game’s best young arms and would be comfortable handing either the ball in a deciding moment.
- Lovullo: Highlights Skenes as a rising star who embodies process-driven excellence and continuous improvement.
- Schumacher: Points to Tarik Skubal as a premier choice for late-game pressure.
- Murphy: Likes Logan Webb for his toughness and reliability, while appreciating a broad pool of capable arms.
- Schaeffer: Also endorses Webb as a bulldog on the mound.
- McCullough: Praises Cristopher Sánchez for his hard, efficient delivery and control, making him a challenging matchup late in games.
Who is the best MLB manager right now besides yourself?
- Murphy: Defers to Craig Counsell, praising his thoughtful, process-oriented approach and his knack for anticipating developments.
- Lovullo: Commends Counsell’s strategic mindset and his ability to project what’s about to unfold on the field.
- Schaeffer: Argues for AJ Hinch, highlighting the way he extracts suited roles from players.
- Schumacher: Initially leaned toward AJ Hinch, but also credits Dave Roberts for outstanding postseason management, suggesting a 1A/1B scenario given Roberts’ track record with star-studded rosters.
- Stammen: Honors Roberts for back-to-back World Series triumphs, and adds Tito Francona as another respected figure in the coaching fraternity.
- McCullough: Extends praise to Dave Roberts, citing his leadership with a high-profile clubhouse, the consistency of his decision-making, and his post-season mastery, while noting a steady, urgent approach that resonates with players and staff alike.
These reflections underscore how managers balance on-field strategy with leadership style, and they reveal a league where the line between innovation, safety, and tradition remains a lively topic of debate.
Would you agree with these assessments, or would you weigh different considerations when evaluating players, rules, and managerial prowess? Share your thoughts on which changes you’d embrace, which opponents you’d least want to face, and who you believe truly stands out among today’s top managers.
