The Miami Marlins have officially parted ways with Skip Schumaker, marking the end of the 2023 NL Manager of the Year’s two-season tenure with the franchise.
Under Schumaker’s leadership, the Marlins posted a record of 146-178. He was brought on board in 2022 as the club’s 16th manager, with a two-year contract that included a club option for the 2025 season, which the organization chose to void earlier this year.
“It has been a tremendous honor serving as manager of the Miami Marlins. I’ve built long-lasting friendships with the staff and players and am proud of all that we accomplished together,” Schumaker stated.
In his inaugural season, Schumaker guided the Marlins to their first playoff appearance in a non-pandemic year since 2003. The team advanced to the postseason despite a minus-57 run differential, ultimately falling to the Phillies in the NL wild-card series.
This past offseason, Miami underwent significant changes in its front office, including the departure of general manager Kim Ng, who was instrumental in hiring Schumaker and assembling the playoff roster.
The 2023 season did not mirror the previous year’s success, as the Marlins started with a franchise-worst 0-9 record. In a controversial move, new President of Baseball Operations Peter Bendix traded two-time batting champion Luis Arraez to the Padres for four prospects, igniting small protests among fans regarding the team’s direction.
Despite the challenges, Schumaker remained hopeful throughout a season that concluded with a 62-100 record, missing key players like 2022 Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara and opening-day starter Jesus Luzardo due to injuries.
“We’ll turn this around,” he expressed in April.
However, another rebuild looms for the Marlins after trading away veteran players with significant salaries for prospects. Notable departures included star center fielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. to the Yankees, as well as first baseman Josh Bell and outfielder Bryan De La Cruz.
Schumaker, who contributed to World Series-winning teams in St. Louis in 2006 and 2011, joined the Marlins after a season as the Cardinals’ bench coach. He previously served as a first-base coach and associate manager for the San Diego Padres from 2018 to 2021.
He now becomes the latest in a series of managers to lead the Marlins.
Marlins owner Bruce Sherman announced, “The Marlins will immediately begin the process of searching for the next leader to serve as our new field manager.”
