MLB: New Managers Surprise with Unprecedented and Inexperienced Signings

Surprises in MLB Dugouts: A New Era of Managers?

The world of baseball was recently shaken by a series of unexpected appointments for the upcoming season. The arrival of new managers without prior experience in the professional field has generated debate and anticipation among fans and experts. The first surprise came with the San Francisco Giants, who decided on Tony Vitello, a renowned college coach. This decision was followed by the choice of Blake Butera as manager of the Washington Nationals, despite his young age. However, the announcement that caused the most stir was the appointment of Craig Stammen, a former pitcher, as manager of the San Diego Padres. Kurt Suzuki, who will lead the Los Angeles Angels, is added to this list. With these moves, MLB has several managers without prior experience as professional coaches. In addition, several managers will debut next season, including Craig Albernaz, former bench coach, hired by the Baltimore Orioles.

This phenomenon could mark a significant change in the way managers are selected in baseball. In the past, the arrival of general managers with experience in data analysis was a turning point. Now, it seems that the league could be experiencing a shift in the selection of managers, with several teams opting for unconventional candidates.

The reasons behind these decisions are diverse, but what is undeniable is the uniqueness of what has happened in recent weeks. Vitello, at 47 years old, became the first coach to go directly from college to MLB. Butera, for his part, is one of the youngest managers in the league in a long time. Stammen, for his part, joins a select group of former pitchers who have taken on the role of manager.

“I think it’s interesting how it’s been a small topic this offseason. I think about other sports and some of these unconventional signings; I don’t know if they’ve become normalized, but they’re probably a little more frequent than they have been in baseball, depending on how you define conventional or unconventional”.

Paul Toboni, Nationals’ president of baseball operations.

Basketball and American football have experienced similar trends, with college coaches and former players taking on leadership roles. Now, baseball seems to be following the same path, possibly influenced by the crucial role that advanced analytics play in game strategy. Some see this as a step forward, while others criticize the lack of appreciation for experience in decision-making. However, this trend allows teams to focus on other qualities, such as leadership and team culture.

“Nowadays, if you can find traits that ultimately define a successful manager, that’s enough to want to hire a guy,” said an agent who represents some current managers and coaches.

Agent of managers and coaches.

Vitello, recognized for his baseball program in Tennessee, has been described as intense but charismatic. Suzuki, valued for his ability to work with pitchers. Butera, praised for his ability to connect with people. Stammen, loved by his teammates for his authenticity. While some see this as progress for a sport historically slow to adapt, others see it as further evidence that modern offices are going to extremes and, in some cases, seeking to maximize their influence. Some clubs may feel that hiring a more experienced and better-paid manager could diminish their influence and control. In contrast, some lament that recent managers like David Ross, Brandon Hyde, and Scott Servais received little attention as candidates this offseason despite playing a significant role in elevating their previous franchises. Joe Maddon has expressed his frustration about it, calling Vitello’s hiring “insulting.” A former manager and current coach saw those comments as a sign that, no matter how much the sport tries to evolve, resistance will always be present. The identity of the people making these hires could have something to do with that. Toboni is young and they trust him to lead the Nationals’ baseball operations department at just 35 years old. Angels general manager Perry Minasian also took an unconventional path, starting as a bat boy and clubhouse assistant. Preller, for his part, has made unorthodox plays a habit in San Diego. Preller warned that this process could be cyclical. Several teams, in fact, followed the most conventional route this offseason. The Twins hired Derek Shelton. The Atlanta Braves, the Texas Rangers, and the Rockies promoted from within, selecting managers with previous experience in the position. The Orioles opted for Albernaz, who, despite being new to that job, managed in the minor leagues and spent the last six seasons on a major league coaching staff. The Orioles’ president of baseball operations, Mike Elias, sought a candidate who has managed in the Major Leagues, then Albernaz changed his mind.