MIAMI – The Miami Marlins have parted ways with Skip Schumaker, ending the 2023 National League Manager of the Year’s two-season stint with the team.
The Marlins finished 146-178 under Schumaker, who was hired in 2022 as the franchise’s sixteenth coach. His contract was for two years with a club option for the 2025 season, which the team voided earlier this year.
“It has been a tremendous honor to serve as manager of the Miami Marlins. “I have built lasting friendships with the staff and players and I am proud of everything we achieved together,” he said.
In his first season, Schumaker led the Marlins to their first playoff appearance in a non-pandemic year since 2003. They made the postseason despite a -57 run differential and were ultimately swept by the Phillies in their series. National League wild cards.
Miami underwent significant changes to its front office this past offseason, including separating from General manager Kim Ng, who was responsible for hiring Schumaker and building the roster that made the playoffs.
The Marlins’ success in 2023 did not carry over to this season, and after an 0-9 start that was the worst in franchise history, new President of Baseball Operations Peter Bendix sent the two-time champion away. hitter Luis Arraez to the Padres for four prospects in a move that sparked a small fan protest about the direction of the franchise.
Schumaker remained optimistic throughout the Marlins’ season, in which they went 62-100 and were without 2022 Cy Young winner Sandy Alcántara, opening day starter Jesús Luzardo and right-hander Eury Pérez due to injuries.
“We’re going to change this,” Schumaker said in April.
But another rebuild is on the horizon for the Marlins after they traded their veterans on major league salaries for prospects. Star center fielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. was traded to the Yankees, and first baseman Josh Bell, outfielder Bryan De La Cruz, relievers Tanner Scott and Bryan Hoeing were also dealt.
Schumaker, who played for World Series-winning clubs in St. Louis in 2006 and 2011, joined the Marlins after spending the 2022 season as the Cardinals’ bench coach. He had been San Diego’s first base coach and associate manager from 2018 to 2021, then joined the Cardinals staff.
He becomes the latest in a revolving door of managers in Miami.
“The Marlins will immediately begin the process of searching for the next leader to serve as our new field manager,” said Marlins owner Bruce Sherman.
In the club’s 32-year history, only Don Mattingly has managed the team for more than four seasons, from 2016 to 2022.
