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 Plus Managerial Moves

In addition to overcoming these significant hurdles, the MLB veteran-turned-skipper has also been a part of several key transactions. He, alongside the club's front office, has made significant contributions to set up the franchise for success.

First and foremost, Schumaker was a part of the managerial team that executed the trade for All-Star, Batting Average Champion, and franchise cornerstone Luis Arraez. Even casual Marlins fans know how valuable the 26-year-old infielder has been. But for the uninitiated, here are a few absurd stats:

- Arraez is on pace to be the first player to hit .370 since Ichiro in 2006.
- Arraez leads the league with 15.43 at-bats per strikeout. The next highest in baseball is Jose Ramirez with 8.61.
- Arraez has stuck out just 28 times this season. For reference, MLB's second-best hitter (for average) Freddie Freeman has struck out 88 times. MLB's strikeout leader is Kyle Schwarber with 151 whiffs.

We could go on and on listing absurd stats for the Fins' star. But, suffice to say, he has made a massive impact since his arrival. While General Manager Kim Ng and others in the front office certainly deserve their fair share of credit, Schumaker was very much a part of the process. And this hasn't been his only difference-making transaction.

Trade deadline acquisitions David Robertson, Jake Burger, and Josh Bell have also kindled hope for a successful postseason run. While Robertson has struggled since his debut for Miami, he is a veteran releiver with a solid track record. Expect him to anchor the bullpen down the stretch.

Bell, on the other hand, was a deadline steal that has the potential to be a middle-of-the-order bat. While fans should not expect a return to his All-Star form, the veteran first baseman is a significant upgrade in the infield.