2019 MLB Managerial Predictions
Los Angeles Angels- Joe Maddon
This is the prediction that everyone is making in regards to managerial vacancies. After spending four seasons playing in the Angels farm system, Maddon retired and joined the organization as a scout. What followed was 30 years of loyal service in a number of roles. This run culminated with Maddon serving as a member of the Angels’ major league coaching staff from 1994 to 2005, including three stints as interim manager. A decade and a half later, a reunion appears to be in the cards and seems to be a match made in heaven. The elephant in the room with the Angels is Mike Trout, who has seen just one playoff series in his career. Aside from Trout, there is significant talent up and down this roster, but the Angels need to make a big splash if they really want to be taken seriously. If there is anyone who can get the most out of his squad and ultimately pivot this ball club, it’s Joe Maddon.
New York Mets- Joe Girardi
When Joe Girardi was let go by the New York Yankees back in 2017, it was evident that Girardi was not ready to call it a career. Here we sit two years later and now, Girardi’s return to managing is imminent. He was set to manage the United States Olympic team, but Girardi has recently resigned that position, indicating that he is in fact likely to become a big league manager once again. The big question, to me, is whether he will end up in New York or Chicago. Both of these teams have long been linked to the former Yankee skipper; this Girardi-Cubs link dates back years while the Mets link is much more recent. Ultimately, I think Girardi will get his choice between the two and I think he will opt to stay in the Big Apple, and work to allow the Mets to take that next step.
Philadelphia Phillies- Buck Showalter
After much deliberation, the Phillies decided that they would move on from Gabe Kapler one year before his contract was set to expire. Kapler was seen as one of those young, savvy hires that yielded some questions yet also great promise. Coming off this experiment of sorts, I expect the Phillies to look towards a more old-fashioned, old school type candidate and to me, Buck Showalter is the perfect fit. There is a lot of talent in that Philadelphia clubhouse and Showalter’s proven track record of getting the most out of his guys will provide a great boost.
Chicago Cubs- Joe Espada
As I’ve slated Joe Girardi to turn down this gig, I expect the Cubs to turn to a Girardi disciple in Joe Espada. After one year as a special assistant to GM Brian Cashman, Espada was hired as the Yankees’ third base coach and infield coach. Espada served under Joe Girardi for three seasons before Girardi’s departure from the club. Since, Espada has served with alongside AJ Hinch as the bench coach of the Houston Astros, a position vacated by Alex Cora. While he has no big league managerial experience, I would expect a style that incorporates a little Girardi, more old school, and a little Hinch, more analytical minded. Given his tutelage, I think Espada would be a great fit for a Cubs organization looking for an identity in the post-Maddon era.
Pittsburgh Pirates- Derek Shelton
This isn’t one of those hires that will necessarily jump off the page but it is one that could prove to be a home run. The former minor league catcher has seen a lot and been around a lot of different environments throughout his career. From playing and managing in the Yankees’ farm system, to being the hitting coach for Cleveland and Tampa Bay, to being the bench coach with Minnesota the past couple of seasons, Shelton brings a unique perspective. The most notable connection here is the previous history between Shelton and Pirates GM Neal Huntington, in Cleveland. If the Pirates want to learn how to be successful in a small-market, they need Shelton to bring in his knowledge of how the likes of Tampa Bay, Cleveland and Minnesota have found their recent success.
San Francisco Giants- Gabe Kapler
The 2019 season certainly did not go as planned for Kapler but he will still be rather highly sought after and will land on his feet. It’s hard to say what the Giants will be looking for, but I would expect a move towards a young, savvy candidate. The one other name I greatly considered for this role was Mark Kotsay, but ultimately I think the Giants bring on Kapler, given his major league managerial experience.
San Diego Padres- Rod Barajas
A former big league catcher, Rod Barajas has spent the last six seasons in the Padres organization, including three as Triple-A El Paso’s manager and the last two as bench coach for the big league club. Ron Washington’s name, as well as several others has been thrown around in this conversation, but I think the familiarity Barajas has with the organization as a whole, from the front office to the players, could prove valuable as the Padres try to turn the corner.
Kansas City Royals- Mike Matheny
From the moment Ned Yost announced his intentions to retire following the 2019 season, Mike Matheny has appeared to be the heavy favorite to take over as Royals manager. Matheny is no stranger to replacing a legend, as he did so in 2012, succeeding Tony La Russa in St. Louis. Under Matheny, the Cardinals amassed a record of 591–474 (.555) over seven seasons, including a trip to the World Series in 2013. Matheny is one of just four in Cardinals history to manage at least 1,000 games and became the first manager in MLB history to earn a playoff berth in each of his first four full seasons at the helm. Although his run in St. Louis came to a screeching halt in 2018, Matheny enjoyed great success in his first stint as a big league manager and would be a solid hire for a rebuilding Royals team.
- Tyler Benenati; Sports Throne Contributor
