MLB Manager Rankings 2026: The Definitive Top 30 List

This piece breaks down MLB managers by tier. We’re highlighting the top skippers, steady mid-tier leaders, managers under pressure, and some newer faces entering the job market.

Spring training notes and notable team developments also get a mention, like roster questions for the Red Sox and payroll dynamics for the Tigers.

Top-tier managerial prowess: Roberts and Francona lead the way

Few names carry the weight of Dave Roberts and Terry Francona when folks talk MLB managers. Their résumés blend championships, longevity, and postseason savvy.

They set the benchmark for how we measure success in the dugout. Pedigree, adaptability, and a proven track record under pressure keep them at the top.

Roberts and Francona: the best of the best

• Dave Roberts — three World Series rings and a relentless postseason pedigree that keeps him at the forefront of managerial excellence
• Terry Francona — 2,033 career victories, ranking 12th all-time, renowned for leadership, clubhouse culture, and late-career adaptability

Strong middle tier: stability, strategic acumen, and turnarounds

The middle tier (ranks 3–8) gets praise for consistency and smart roster manipulation. These managers often turn seasons around with patience and clever moves.

They stabilize clubs amid change and extract value from the rosters they inherit. It’s not flashy, but it works.

Mid-tier leaders: Cash, Cora, Hinch, Murphy, Vogt, Lovullo

• Kevin Cash — sustained competitive play with the Rays, balancing development with winning at a high level
• Alex Cora — strategic evolution and adaptability across varied rosters
• A.J. Hinch — veteran tactician known for in-season adjustments and leadership
• Pat Murphy — steady clubhouse presence and the ability to guide a team through midstream changes
• Stephen Vogt — rising managerial voice with a focus on player development and communication
• Torey Lovullo — recent turnarounds and a track record of building competitive teams

Under pressure: high expectations in 9–12

Managers in the 9–12 bracket deal with impatient fan bases and a lot of scrutiny. Even with past accomplishments, they rarely get a break.

Outcome and process are always weighed as these teams chase playoff appearances. The pressure never really lets up.

Names facing the heat: Boone, Counsell, Mendoza, Thomson

• Aaron Boone — Yankees manager under relentless scrutiny from a high-expectation market
• Craig Counsell — Brewers skipper with a strong playoff pedigree, but ongoing evaluation from fans and media
• Carlos Mendoza — Mets manager in a period of roster adjustment and transition
• Rob Thomson — Phillies leader facing the challenge of maintaining a competitive window

Competent but limited: Espada, Schneider, Wilson

This group shows solid day-to-day leadership but runs into postseason hurdles or roster-building limits. Expectations stay in check, at least for now.

They’re focused on building sustainable programs rather than deep playoff runs right out of the gate.

Joe Espada, John Schneider, Dan Wilson: postseason gaps and roster limits

• Joe Espada — strong coaching background with limited postseason success to date
• John Schneider — Mariners manager balancing a competitive core with roster gaps
• Dan Wilson — steady leadership that contends with roster constraints and playoff margins

Emerging to mid-tier: Kotsay, Marmol, McCullough, Quatraro, Venable

These leaders aren’t front runners for a title chase, but there’s potential here. Some could spark a surprise push if the roster clicks at the right time.

The Royals, for instance, could sneak into the wild-card mix if things break just right.

Not contending now, but possible spark: Royals wild-card hope

• Mark Kotsay — steady hands with the A’s, working to maximize a youthful roster
• Oli Marmol — fresh approach for the Cardinals and a focus on development and culture
• Clayton McCullough — rising coach driving player growth and bullpen resilience
• Matt Quatraro — strategic thinker guiding a competitive pipeline
• Will Venable — new perspective and roster optimization ideas

Second chances and rookie opportunities: fresh starts and interim stints

Some managers get a second shot or step into interim roles after uneven results. The managerial market stays fluid, and one season can totally change a resume.

Second chances: Schumaker, Kelly, Schaeffer, Shelton, Weiss

• Skip Schumaker — return opportunity after an uneven previous run
• Don Kelly — interim stints and leadership during transitions
• Warren Schaeffer — known for development focus and fresh licensing opportunities
• Derek Shelton — steady rebuild guidance amid roster changes
• Walt Weiss — veteran postseason experience offering a new start

Rookies on the rise: Albernaz, Butera, Stammen, Suzuki, Vitello

Five rookie managers bring all sorts of backgrounds—from longtime assistants to college champs. Tony Vitello’s leap from Tennessee to the Giants stands out as a real proving ground for new ideas in the dugout.

Vitello’s leap and the cohort ahead

• Craig Albernaz — rookie manager bringing fresh energy to the role
• Blake Butera — first-time manager with a unique perspective
• Craig Stammen — former pitcher stepping into managerial duties
• Kurt Suzuki — ex-catcher transitioning to leadership responsibilities
• Tony Vitello — Tennessee success carried into a high-profile jump to the Giants

Spring notes and roster dynamics: Red Sox and beyond

Spring training’s underway, and teams are reassessing rosters and role clarity. The Red Sox, for one, look like they need a right-handed power infielder to balance the lineup—maybe that comes via trade.

They’re also keeping Ceddanne Rafaela in center field, signaling a commitment to his long-term potential both at the plate and in the field.

Notable team notes and miscellany

Several things are shaping the league’s offseason narrative right now. The Tigers have a record luxury-tax payroll after Tarik Skubal’s arbitration win and the signing of Framber Valdez.

That puts Detroit as AL Central favorites, but it also makes Skubal a possible trade chip if the season goes sideways. Who knows if they’ll actually pull that trigger?

Meanwhile, Rafael Devers turned down WBC participation. Alex Verdugo still hasn’t signed anywhere.

Some extra Red Sox minor leaguers will show up in the WBC. Mark McGwire just rejoined the A’s in player development, which feels a bit nostalgic.

There’s also a louder push for transparency in Hall of Fame voting. All these threads are swirling around as teams look ahead to 2024.

 
Here is the source article for this story: A tradition continues: Ranking all 30 managers in the major leagues