Bud Black tops list of MLB managers on the hot seat

Given how the 2021 MLB season is starting to play out, it’s fair to wonder if certain managers may be looking for new jobs before much longer. Teams are developing identities, and some of those may not meet the expectations of fans or management.

With that in mind, here are five MLB managers presently on the hot seat.

5. Dusty Baker (Houston Astros)

This isn’t so much a "firing watch" as it is a situation to keep an eye on. Baker became the Houston skipper after the sign-stealing scandal cost former manager AJ Hinch his job. Long considered one of baseball’s best managers to never win a World Series, Baker will turn 72 this year, and if the Astros underachieve, there will be multiple reasons the two sides could consider a mutual parting of the ways.

4. David Bell (Cincinnati Reds)

Bell led the Reds to a better-than-expected 2020, when Cincinnati finished 31-29 and made the playoffs. However, the Reds have recently plummeted down the NL Central standings. After a 6-1 start, they’re now 11-12, and that’s after two close wins over the Dodgers. Cincinnati may need to regain composure to save its manager, whose contract may expire after this season.

3. Aaron Boone (New York Yankees)

This one comes with the caveat that there are different standards in New York than anywhere else (some of which would be seen as completely illogical in any other city). Despite winning 203 games in his first two seasons, Boone is here because the Yankees’ slow finish to 2020 has carried over to a slow start in 2021. Even after winning four of their last six games, the Bronx Bombers are 10-13 and tied for last in the AL East. Speaking of that tie…

2. Brandon Hyde (Baltimore Orioles)

One can’t help but feel bad for Hyde, who has never been in any position to succeed in Baltimore. His Orioles actually showed signs of improvement in 2020, when their win percentage improved more than 80 points after an awful 2019. However, Baltimore’s right there with the Yankees in the AL East cellar, and the going may not get much easier in the months ahead.

1. Bud Black (Colorado Rockies)

This is another one that stings, as very little of Colorado’s struggles this season are Black’s fault. The Rockies traded all-world third baseman Nolan Arenado to St. Louis for a paltry return,  and the organization is in the midst of a rebuild. Black led the Rockies to back-to-back winning seasons in 2017 and 2018 for just the third time in team history. He’s a respected manager, and if he loses his job, he shouldn’t be out of work very long.