Now, the buzz in South Florida isn’t just about McCullough’s likability or intelligence but also about the decision that brought him here. Why did he want this job? After all, managing the Marlins isn’t exactly a cushy gig. But then again, there are only 30 managerial positions in Major League Baseball. For a man who has spent years grinding it out in the minor leagues, this opportunity must feel like reaching the summit. “This is where I wanted to be,” McCullough declared during his introduction at loanDepot Park, standing on the concourse with optimism in his voice.
The Marlins’ Steep Climb
But let’s be honest—the mountain McCullough just climbed isn’t the one most aspiring managers dream about. Taking on this role means inheriting a laundry list of challenges that would make even the most seasoned leaders break a sweat. Just consider some of these statistics:
- 29th in earned run average—the pitching staff has struggled mightily.
- 25th in runs scored—the offense isn’t faring much better.
- 25th in payroll—resources are scarce.
- Zero players in MLB.com’s Top 100 player rankings.
- Only three prospects on MLB.com’s Top 100 prospects list, the best being No. 46, Tomas White, a Class A left-handed pitcher.
McCullough’s influence on the team will matter—eventually. But first, the team needs players who can consistently compete at the major league level. That’s where general manager Peter Bendix comes in, tasked with rebuilding a talent pipeline from the minors.
Is McCullough’s Patience Enough?
Here’s where McCullough’s patience might truly be tested. For now, the Marlins’ roster isn’t ready to contend. Even their few remaining stars, like Sandy Alcantara, are likely trade bait as the team navigates budget constraints. Alcantara’s salary, set to rise from $20 million to $37 million in 2025, makes him a prime candidate for a trade. Will he still be on the roster come Opening Day?
“I sure hope so,” Bendix said, though his answer didn’t exactly inspire confidence.
Then there’s the question of ownership. The Marlins need an owner willing to take financial risks, but history isn’t on their side. The team’s previous owners—from H. Wayne Huizenga, who dismantled a World Series-winning roster, to Jeffrey Loria, who left town after scoring a taxpayer-funded stadium—haven’t been big spenders. Current owner Bruce Sherman hasn’t shown signs of changing that narrative either.
“I’ll spend money (on players) when it’s the right time to spend,” Sherman stated.
The Two Roads to Success
In baseball, success comes in two flavors: outspend your competitors or outsmart them. The Marlins haven’t done either. Even with Derek Jeter in the front office for a few years, the team failed to make meaningful strides. Can Bendix and McCullough do better?
McCullough’s philosophy suggests he understands the long road ahead. “I’d be considered a patient individual,” he said, before adding a crucial caveat: “But with that patience is a sense of urgency in each day as well. The path of players’ improvement is not always linear. It has some winding curves to it. There’s patience involved in letting things take their course. You believe in the character of the player. You believe in the talent. You know that it’s there. So then you strike a balance each day of, you know, we’re working to get better. There’s no going backward.”
Learning from History
If history is any guide, McCullough knows what he’s up against. His predecessor, Skip Schumaker, was just 42 when he took the reins two seasons ago. Schumaker had early success, earning National League Manager of the Year honors after leading the Marlins to the playoffs in his first season. But the glow didn’t last. Faced with a rebuild and a roster gutted of stars like Luis Arraez and Jazz Chisholm, Schumaker opted out of his contract rather than stick around for what looked like another uphill battle.
It’s a situation eerily reminiscent of the infamous 1998 rebuild when veteran manager Jim Leyland looked at his lineup card and declared it the “worst lineup I’ve ever written.” Will McCullough one day echo those words?
Betting on McCullough
At 44, McCullough is stepping into a role where success won’t come easy—or quickly. But he’s no stranger to hard work. After years of playing and managing in the minors, he became the first base coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he earned a World Series ring just last October. For a brief moment, he was on top of the world. Now, just a month later, he’s back in the trenches with a team that feels more like a reclamation project than a championship contender.
So why take the job? It’s simple—McCullough sees potential where others see problems. He’s betting on his ability to build a culture, instill discipline, and help shape the next generation of Marlins talent.
A Glimmer of Hope?
There are glimpses of promise if you squint hard enough. The team does have three players in MLB.com’s Top 100 prospects, and Tomas White could be a cornerstone if he develops as hoped. Bendix has also shown a willingness to trade strategically, even if it means parting with current assets to build for the future.
For now, though, the odds aren’t in McCullough’s favor. With the Marlins ranking 29th in attendance, 26th in local TV deals, and 29th in revenue, according to Forbes, the team faces an uphill battle not just on the field but in every facet of the business.
Can McCullough Make a Difference?
Ultimately, McCullough’s impact will only be as significant as the players he’s managing. Until the roster improves, his job is as much about weathering the storm as it is about steering the ship. It’s a tough assignment, but if anyone understands the grind, it’s McCullough.
For now, Marlins fans will have to wait and see if patience and persistence pay off. It’s a long road ahead, but with McCullough at the helm, there’s at least a sliver of hope that brighter days are on the horizon.
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