The 2023 Major League Baseball season has come to an end, and the winners of the prestigious Manager of the Year awards have been announced. In the American League, Baltimore Orioles’ Brandon Hyde took home the honor, while in the National League, Miami Marlins’ Skip Schumaker was the recipient.
Brandon Hyde, who was in his fifth season as the Orioles’ manager, led the team to a surprising 88-74 record and a wild card spot in the AL. The Orioles, who had not made the playoffs since 2016, were expected to be one of the worst teams in the league, but Hyde managed to get the most out of his young and inexperienced roster.
Hyde received 21 of the 30 first-place votes from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, beating out Texas Rangers’ Chris Woodward and Boston Red Sox’s Alex Cora, who finished second and third respectively. Hyde credited his players and coaching staff for the team’s success, saying that they “bought into the culture” and “played hard every day”.
Schumaker guides Marlins to first division title since 2003
Skip Schumaker, who was in his first season as the Marlins’ manager, guided the team to a 94-68 record and the NL East title, the first division crown for the franchise since 2003. The Marlins, who had not had a winning season since 2009, were expected to be in a rebuilding mode, but Schumaker managed to turn them into a contender.
Schumaker received 18 of the 30 first-place votes from the BBWAA, edging out Philadelphia Phillies’ Dave Roberts and Arizona Diamondbacks’ Torey Lovullo, who finished second and third respectively. Schumaker praised his players and coaching staff for the team’s performance, saying that they “overcame a lot of adversity” and “played with passion and energy”.
Both managers face challenges in 2024
Both Hyde and Schumaker will face challenges in the 2024 season, as they try to repeat or improve their results from 2023. Hyde will have to deal with the expectations of the Orioles’ fans and the media, who will expect the team to compete for the AL East title and make a deep playoff run. Schumaker will have to cope with the pressure of defending the NL East title and the competition from the other teams in the division, who will try to dethrone the Marlins.
Both managers will also have to make some tough decisions regarding their rosters, as they will have to balance the development of their young players and the acquisition of veteran players. Hyde and Schumaker will have to prove that their 2023 seasons were not flukes, but the beginning of a new era for their franchises.
