Imagine this: The game is on the line, bases loaded, and your team's season hangs in the balance. Who's the one batter you dread seeing step up to the plate? And which pitcher would you trust with everything on the line? These are the questions that keep MLB managers up at night, and we got the inside scoop directly from the source. But here's where it gets controversial... some managers are ready to shake things up with bold rule changes, while others want to keep the game exactly as it is. And this is the part most people miss... the new ball/strike challenge system isn't just about fairness, it's about adding a whole new layer of strategy and excitement to the game.
At the recent MLB winter meetings in Orlando, Florida, we sat down with all 30 managers to get their unfiltered opinions on everything from rule changes to player performance, and even their thoughts on each other. Here’s what we uncovered.
If you ruled MLB for a day, what’s the first thing you’d change?
Craig Albernaz of the Baltimore Orioles kept it simple: “I love the game the way it is.” But not everyone agrees. Warren Schaeffer of the Colorado Rockies wants a weekly reset: “Every Monday off, just like the minor leagues. It gives teams time to prep and rest.” Pat Murphy of the Milwaukee Brewers, meanwhile, is all about player safety: “Eliminate shadows on the field—they’re dangerous. And let’s get devices for outfielders to communicate, so they don’t collide.”
The new ball/strike challenge system: Game-changer or gimmick?
Opinions are split, but one thing’s for sure—it’s coming, and managers are already strategizing. Albernaz admits, “We’ve talked about it. We’ve got some strategies in place.” Craig Stammen of the San Diego Padres sees it as a win for fans: “It’s another piece of strategy that’ll keep everyone on the edge of their seats.”
But here’s the kicker: Blake Butera of the Washington Nationals thinks it’s a much-needed check on umpires: “If you don’t like the call, challenge it. Let’s see what you’ve got.” Terry Francona of the Cincinnati Reds was initially skeptical but came around: “I thought the fans loved it. It didn’t slow the game down much.”
The postseason: Where every pitch counts.
This year’s playoffs were nothing short of electric. Rob Thomson of the Philadelphia Phillies summed it up: “Even the games we lost were nail-biters. The competition was off the charts.” Oliver Marmol of the St. Louis Cardinals added, “There was an electricity to it—you couldn’t look away.”
The hitters you don’t want to face with the game on the line.
Shohei Ohtani is the obvious choice for Schaeffer, but Skip Schumaker of the Texas Rangers has another name in mind: “Freddie Freeman. He’s a hitter’s hitter. You’re not getting him out easily.” Torey Lovullo of the Arizona Diamondbacks agrees: “Freddie adjusts, understands the pitcher, and puts the ball in play. He’s a nightmare.”
The pitchers you’d trust with your team’s fate.
Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal are the names on everyone’s lips. Stammen says, “Those guys are the best in baseball right now. I’d hand them the ball without hesitation.” Lovullo adds, “Skenes is the poster child for process and execution.”
The best manager in MLB? It’s not just about wins.
Craig Counsell gets a lot of love. Murphy admits, “I know how great he is. He’s thoughtful, process-oriented, and always one step ahead.” But AJ Hinch and Dave Roberts are close contenders. Schumaker puts it best: “Doc Roberts navigated that Padres series like a master. You’ve got to respect that.”
Now it’s your turn: What’s your take?
Do you think the new challenge system will improve the game, or is it just another unnecessary interruption? And who’s your pick for the best manager in MLB right now? Let us know in the comments—we want to hear from you!
