Three Reasons Why Miami Marlins' Skip Schumaker is a Dark Horse Manager of the Year Contender

As the MLB calendar transitions into its final stretch, playoff races across the league are beginning to heat up. With all but one division (the NL East) up for grabs several, familiar, powerhouse, clubs are rounding into form. However, a few surprise teams have a legitimate chance to shock the baseball world by earning a postseason berth. Chief amongst these is the upstart Miami Marlins. 

While the white-hot Atlanta Braves have a firm grasp of the division lead, the Marlins currently hold an above .500 record and sit just 1.5 games out of a wildcard spot. After adding several helpful pieces at the trade deadline, Miami has a legitimate chance to earn its fourth playoff berth in franchise history. This is a massive deal for the small-market franchise!

While several key players have led the club to success, manager Skip Schumaker deserves significant credit for leading this young roster toward the postseason. In fact, for the following reasons, the first-year skipper deserves legitimate consideration for the National League Manager of the Year award. 

The Team Hurdles

Schumaker has managed his team brilliantly, overcoming down seasons from reigning Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara, and injuries to key players like Jazz Chisholm, Trevor Rodgers, Max Mayer, and others.

Last season, Alcantara was one of baseball's most dominant pitching weapons last season. He was also the sport's most significant workhorse by a wide margin, pitching an incredible 20+ innings more than the field. The Fins' ace also led baseball in complete games (6) while posting a stellar 2.28 ERA, 14 wins, and 207 strikeouts on his way to his first Cy Young award. He also entered the 2023 season as a favorite to repeat.

Unfortunately, Alcantara has suffered significant regression this season. While he has still been a major innings eater, his efficiency has dropped off considerably. So far, he has posted a pedestrian 4.28 ERA and a 4-10 win-loss record. Alcantara showed off his old potential today however, with a brilliant complete-game gem, giving up only 1 run and striking out 10 to bring his ERA down to 4.09.

To make matters worse, Rogers, an All-Star pitcher in 2021, has pitched just 18 innings this season (due to a right lat strain). Chisholm on the other hand, a 2022 All-Star, and the team's most dangerous offensive weapon, has been held to just 53 games played due to various injuries.

There are plenty of excuses for a sub-par performance. Yet, Schmaker has his young club playing like true contenders.

The Open Contenders Pool

Braves skipper Brian Snitker is likely the frontrunner for these honors, with Dave Bell of the Reds, Dave Roberts of the Dodgers, and Gabe Kapler of the Giants also in the mix. 

However, most of these managers lead clubs who had legitimate postseason aspirations at the beginning of the season. Snitker and Roberts were clear World Series favorites. Kapler’s Giants have also proven to be fringe contenders. 

However, when the season began, the Marlins and Reds were both in the bottom third of postseason contenders. Both have far exceeded these expectations. 

If one of these clubs does indeed capture a spot in the 2023 playoff field, that team's manager should move near the top of the list of Manager of the Year honors. This advancement is one that Schumaker and his team are in a prime position to make. 

After bolstering their team with the aforementioned deadline acquisitions and re-adding future ace Eury Perez to their rotation, Miami should be considered one of the favorites to play October baseball. This clearly makes Schumaker a not-so-dark-horse contender for Manager of the Year.