With spring training games starting Feb. 20, MLB fans (and owners) will be getting their first real look at what 2026 could hold for their squads. However, for some managers around the league, their teams’ performances this season could be the difference between having a job next season or watching from the couch.
Here are 10 MLB managers who could be on the hot seat in 2026, ranked from least likely to most likely to be looking for a new job.
Warren Schaeffer
Following the late hire of Paul DePodesta of “Moneyball” fame as president of baseball operations in November, the Rockies elected to hang on to interim manager Warren Schaeffer.
The former manager of the Hartford Yard Goats and Albuquerque Isotopes, this gig is Schaeffer’s first in the majors. He won under 30% of games last season after taking over for long time manager Bud Black, and his fate may already be sealed come this offseason when DePodesta can properly conduct his own outside search.
Oliver Marmol
The Cardinals won’t be contending for anything in 2026 after trading away lineup mainstays in Willson Contreras, Nolan Arenado and Brendan Donovan.
Still, Marmol hasn’t reached the playoffs since 2022 and led the team to a losing record last season, with another likely on deck. There’s a case to be made that he’s already overstayed his welcome.
Torey Lovullo
After reaching the World Series for the first time in his managerial career in 2023, Lovullo has missed out on the dance in each of the last two seasons, with the Diamondbacks becoming sellers by last year’s trade deadline.
Arizona has posted a losing record in four of the last six seasons, and a second straight losing record may be the end of the line for Lovullo.
Joe Espada
Espada is a holdover from both the AJ Hinch and Dusty Baker era Astros, serving as third base coach under both. Houston underperformed in 2025, missing the playoffs for the first time in almost a decade in a tough AL West. The division will be just as competitive this year, with four teams having at least some semblance of playoff aspirations.
With a partially rebuilt rotation, owner Jim Crane and GM Dana Brown likely still view the team as pennant contenders. Another playoff miss, or even a slow start across a tedious first month schedule, and the ‘Stros could be looking for an outside hire to bring in a new message.
Rob Thomson
The Phillies have won 90 games in each of Thomson’s three full seasons as manager but have failed to win an NL pennant since his time as interim manager.
After being eliminated in the NL Divisional Series in back-to-back seasons, along with clubhouse turmoil, it’s fair to wonder if Philadelphia is maximizing their potential with Thomson at the helm.
Aaron Boone
Boone will reach 700 wins as a manager this season, his ninth season as skipper in New York. He has reached the playoffs in seven out of eight seasons. The 52-year-old is missing just one thing; a ring. Winning just one pennant in his time as manager, Boone has withstood criticism in the New York media market as well as anyone.
Still, patience runs thin in New York when you aren’t winning championships. Boone’s predecessor, Joe Girardi, lasted 10 years while winning a championship. Time is running out.
Carlos Mendoza
The 2024 National League Manager of the Year missed the playoffs last season despite managing one of the highest paid teams in baseball. Based on how owner Steve Cohen spends money to fix holes and how vocal he was about their underperformance last season, patience doesn’t seem to be first on his agenda when it comes to winning.
If the Mets make it to the championship round (or even the divisional), Mendoza likely keeps his job; it’s as simple as that.
Don Kelly
A former Pirate, Kelly took over for Derek Shelton in early May and managed the team to a respectable 59-65 record. He was given a contract extension to become the full-time manager following the season.
While Kelly clearly earned some respect in his prolonged audition in 2025, the Pirates have increased payroll by around $15 million while being aggressive both in free agency and on the trade market. Kelly will be looking to lead Pittsburg to their first winning record since 2018, something that could earn him some decent job security.
Mark Kotsay
Under Kotsay, the Athletics have seen a modest increase in success in each of the last two seasons. Their payroll has also increased in each of those seasons and is expected to increase by around $20 million more this season.
With young superstar Nick Kurtz leading a group of young, star position players, the A’s may be looking to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2020. Kotsay has had a big hand in developing that core. Only a regression in their record would likely push Kotsay out of a job.
Kevin Cash
Though the Rays have posted losing records in each of the last two seasons, that came on the heels of five straight playoff campaigns. Though new owner Patrick Zalupski has no ties to Cash, MLB’s longest tenured manager is likely to receive a little extra grace.