Although the 2025 MLB season is still in the first month, several teams are off to disappointing starts. Changes, either to the coaching staff or front office, could happen if those fortunes do not turn around. Let’s take a look at three managers who may already be on the hot seat.
Rocco Baldelli, Minnesota Twins
Baldelli survived the Twins’ epic collapse in 2024 where they went 12-27 after Aug. 17 to fall out of the playoffs. The players lobbied for Baldelli to keep his job despite calls for the manager to be fired in the wake of the disastrous end to the season.
Player loyalty can only go so far. The Twins have begun the season with a 7-12 record; the 4-13 White Sox are the only team in the American League with a worse start to 2025. While the Twins have won their last two games entering Thursday, the disappointment from 2024 hangs over the team. Another losing streak could mark the end of Baldelli’s time on the Twins’ bench.
Bud Black, Colorado Rockies
Black has two distinct disadvantages as the Rockies manager. First, he is stuck in the NL West, where the other four teams in the division entered Thursday with a winning percentage over .600. Second, the Rockies have a distinct lack of major league talent, making competing in the NL West virtually impossible.
Nonetheless, the lack of wins ultimately falls on the manager. The Rockies entered Thursday with a 3-15 record, the worst in the majors. Colorado is in the midst of a six-game losing streak, is 1-11 on the road, and has yet to win a game in the division. Changes have already begun as the Rockies announced that hitting coach Hensley Meulens was let go. Black could be next if the Rockies continue to flounder.
Dave Martinez, Washington Nationals
The Nationals have been clear that their rebuilding process is over. General manager Mike Rizzo said on “Foul Territory” that there are no more excuses and that he does not want to “hear that we’re rebuilding.” Outfielder Dylan Crews said that the Nationals’ future is now. Expectations for 2025 were clear — the Nationals would contend for a playoff berth.
Instead, the Nationals have stumbled out of the gate, falling to 7-12 after a Thursday loss to the 8-12 Pittsburgh Pirates. Martinez won the World Series in his second year as the Nationals manager in 2019 but has not had a winning season since. The Nationals’ hopes for this season have not slipped away just yet, but they cannot afford to keep losing in what should be a difficult division. Unless the season turns around soon, Martinez could find himself on the unemployment line.
