MLB Managers on the Hot Seat: Boone, Cora Under Pressure to Win

Are Aaron Boone’s days in New York numbered? Oddsmakers seem to think so.

Boone, it turns out, is the unceremonious favorite to be the first MLB manager fired this season.

With Opening Day just around the corner, here’s a breakdown of some other managers who may need to win to save their jobs.

THE FAVORITE

Aaron Boone, New York Yankees (+500)

Boone boasts a .585 winning percentage in six seasons with New York but missed the playoffs in 2023 and has yet to win a World Series.

Expectations, as they always are with the Yankees, are high. Outside of Houston, the Yankees have the second-best odds to win the American League (+500).

A slow start could land Boone in hot water.

TOP CONTENDERS

Dave Martinez, Washington Nationals (+600)

The Nationals have lost 90 or more games in three consecutive seasons and are just 217-398 since the 2019 World Series. This year isn’t expected to be much better, with Washington projected for only 65.5 wins, second fewest in the National League.

At 6/1 odds, he’s a popular choice to be the first MLB manager fired.

Bud Black, Colorado Rockies (+700)

Black made the playoffs in each of his first two seasons in Colorado but is a whopping 111 games under .500 since the start of 2019. Last year, the Rockies (59-103) finished with the worst record in the NL and were one of four teams in the MLB standings to lose over 100 games.

With another tough season likely in store — the Rockies are projected for a league-low 60.5 wins — Black’s days as skipper could be over.

Alex Cora, Boston Red Sox (+900)

One year after winning the World Series in his first season with the Red Sox, Cora was dismissed for his central role in the Astros’ sign-stealing scandal. He won 92 games upon being rehired in 2021 but is coming off back-to-back 78-84 seasons.

Ownership has been widely criticized for its lack of spending. Could Cora be the fall guy if things don’t improve soon in Boston?

OUTSIDE LOOKING IN

Pedro Grifol, Chicago White Sox (+1200)

Grifol got off to a miserable start with Chicago, finishing 61-101 in his first season. He deserves patience, as the White Sox seem committed to a full-blown rebuild after trading their No. 1 starter, Dylan Cease, just weeks before Opening Day. But will ownership oblige?

A.J. Hinch, Detroit Tigers (+1200)

The Tigers made strides last season, finishing with their best record (78-84) since 2016. This year, MLB predictions have them for Over/Under 80.5 wins.ma

Higher expectations could spell more pressure on Hinch, who needs to take the next step with this young club.

Skip Schumaker, Miami Marlins (+1200)

The 2023 Marlins set a franchise record for wins prior to the All-Star break and finished 84-78, making the postseason for just the fourth time in club history. As such, Schumaker, a first-time skipper, was named NL Manager of the Year.

Schumaker’s job seems pretty secure, but things can change in a hurry around MLB.

Derek Shelton, Pittsburgh Pirates (+1200)

MLB is flush with bad teams. Few are as awful as Pittsburgh.

Shelton has a woeful .399 winning percentage in four seasons with the Pirates, including back-to-back 100-loss campaigns.

He may need to build on last year’s 76-86 finish to keep his job.

LONGSHOT

Matt Quatraro, Kansas City Royals (+2000)

Year One in Kansas City did not go as planned for Quatraro. At 56-106, the Royals finished with the second-most losses in baseball behind Oakland.

Progress is needed. Still, at 20/1, he is a longshot to be the first MLB manager fired.

For MLB stats, betting odds, analysis and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.

Can’t get enough? Here’s more!

• How To Bet Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s MLB Debut
• Yoshinobu Yamamoto Presumptive Favorite for NL Rookie of the Year
• Can Spencer Strider Earn The Most Strikeouts For The Second Straight Year?
• MLB Total Hits Betting Odds: Arraez, Freeman With Highest Totals
• Jackson Holliday, Evan Carter AL Rookie of the Year Co-Favorites