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The Miami Marlins have appointed Clayton McCullough as their new manager, ESPN reports, marking a new chapter for the franchise as they continue their rebuilding efforts. McCullough, who becomes the 17th manager in Marlins history, inherits a team coming off a difficult 2024 season, which saw them finish 62-100 and in last place in the National League East. This move also makes McCullough the third manager for the Marlins since 2022, highlighting the organization’s ongoing search for stability.
McCullough’s background: From minor leagues to MLB coaching
McCullough, 44, brings a wealth of experience to the Marlins’ dugout. Most recently, he served as the Los Angeles Dodgers' first base coach since 2021, contributing to the team’s continued success in Major League Baseball (MLB). Before his role with the Dodgers, McCullough spent several years managing within the Toronto Blue Jays minor league system, where he worked with various young talents and helped shape future big-league stars.
In addition to his coaching career, McCullough was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the 22nd round of the 2002 MLB Draft out of East Carolina University. Though he never reached the major leagues as a player, he advanced to the Triple-A level in 2005 before retiring from playing and fully transitioning to coaching.
Marlins' 2024 campaign proved to be a disaster
McCullough steps into a challenging situation with the Marlins, who have struggled to maintain momentum following an encouraging 2023 season under former manager Skip Schumaker. Schumaker led the team to an unexpected 84-win season and an NL playoff berth, earning NL Manager of the Year honours. However, the 2024 campaign proved to be a disaster for the Marlins, resulting in a significant decline and ultimately prompting Schumaker’s departure at the end of the season.
After the firing of former general manager Kim Ng, who was responsible for hiring Schumaker, the Marlins opted to amend Schumaker’s contract by removing the 2025 club option. This move allowed Schumaker to pursue other opportunities, signalling a shift in direction under the new president of baseball operations, Peter Bendix.
The road ahead: A rebuilding effort
While the Marlins’ immediate future under McCullough may not be filled with high expectations in terms of wins and losses, the organization’s focus will likely be on player development and growth. With the team amid a rebuilding phase, McCullough’s ability to cultivate young talent will be key to his success. The Marlins are expected to show patience as they develop their farm system and integrate promising prospects into the major league roster.
McCullough’s relationship with assistant general manager Gabe Kapler, with whom he worked in the Dodgers’ player development department, may prove beneficial in this effort. The Marlins’ front office, led by Bendix, is expected to support McCullough's efforts to cultivate young stars and build a competitive team for the future.
Challenges ahead for McCullough and the Marlins
Under McCullough’s leadership, the Marlins will need to address the issues that led to their struggles in 2024. Despite a promising foundation with several young players, including pitchers and position prospects, the Marlins remain one of the more uncertain franchises in the MLB, with principal owner Bruce Sherman’s level of commitment to the long-term rebuild still in question.
However, McCullough will likely be judged less by the team’s win-loss record in the short term and more on how well he develops the team’s young players and prepares them for a successful future in Miami.
