Yesterday, the Miami Marlins welcomed Clayton McCullough to replace Skip Schumaker as the team’s new manager after only two years. President of Baseball Operations Peter Bendix was among those who introduced him as the 17th manager of the franchise. Bendix and others are hoping for a new direction after a disappointing 100-loss season.
“He wants to make everyone around him better,” Bendix says. “He’s such an authentic, down-to-earth person. You ask anyone who works with him; they’re going to tell you the same thing. Those are tremendous leadership traits. Clayton is a winner. He’s won his entire career.”
McCullough was formerly the first base coach for the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers, where he worked for nine years. Now, he takes charge of a team that was 19 games under .500 last season. This will be Mccullough’s first time as a Major League manager. He told reporters gathered at LoanDepot Park that he is grateful for the opportunity and is ready to help the Marlins with their latest rebuilding stage.
“Winning the World Series is the ultimate prize in our profession,” said McCullough “That was really cool. Today tops that. I couldn’t be more grateful for this.”
McCullough has posted a winning record in six of his seven seasons managing four teams in the Blue Jays minor league system (2008-2014) with a 402-367 overall mark. He won consecutive championships with Vancouver in 2012 and 2013, was named Florida State League Manager of the Year in 2011, and earned Northwest League Manager of the Year honors in 2012. Now, he is tasked with guiding players like Jake Burger, Connor Norby, and Sandy Alcántara as he looks to lead the team back to its winning ways.
McCullough emphasizes the importance of preparation and continuous improvement. He describes his ideal team as one that is “ultra-prepared,” viewing each day as an opportunity to make incremental progress. As he puts it, “My goal is to get the best out of every person.”
Bendix believes that McCullough’s hire was a seamless fit for the team, highlighting his strong character and exceptional teamwork as key qualities. According to Bendix, McCullough’s experience, including his championship with the Dodgers, reinforced his value to the organization.
Reflecting on recent decisions, Sherman emphasized that the investments made at the 2023 trade deadline proved to be wise, and similar strategic moves will be considered for 2025. Back then they acquired players like first baseman Josh Bell, starting pitcher Ryan Weathers, and relief pitcher David Robertson, which led them to the playoffs.
“We will do it again in ‘25 if we have the opportunity,” says Sherman. “We are not going to spend money foolishly.”
