2023 MLB Awards: Ranking NL Manager of the Year Candidates
The 2023 Major League Baseball regular season has reached its conclusion and MLB awards season is quickly approaching.
As a part of our 2023 MLB award selections, here are our top five National League Manager of the Year Award candidates:
5) Skip Schumaker, Miami Marlins
In his first year as a Major League manager, Skip Schumaker returned the Miami Marlins to the postseason for the first time in a full, 162-game season since 2003. Traditionally, managers whose teams exceed preseason expectations are rewarded by the press, so Schumaker has a very good chance of winning this award. But the Marlins barely squeaked into the playoffs, winning 84 games, thanks largely in part to the collapse of the Chicago Cubs. You can't take anything away from Schumaker's success; we just thought there are a few candidates with stronger cases for the award.
4) Rob Thomson, Philadelphia Phillies
Since taking over a 22-29 team midway through last season, the Fightin' Phils are 155-118 under Thomson. In his first half-season, Thomson led the Philadelphia Phillies to an NL Pennant, their first since 2009. In 2023, the Phillies avoided a World Series hangover and got even better, winning three more games than they did a season ago, and claiming the NL's top Wild Card spot.
3) Brian Snitker, Atlanta Braves
With one of the greatest lineups in baseball history, the Atlanta Braves posted their highest win total in a season since 1998, tallying 104 wins this season. The manager of the best team in baseball is certainly a worthy candidate.
2) Dave Roberts, Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers had a relatively quiet offseason as the club bid farewell to Trea Turner, Justin Turner, Cody Bellinger and others. The Dodgers slashed its payroll by nearly $50 million resulting in some expectations that Los Angeles would take a step backwards. Dave Roberts' club won 100 games for the fourth-straight year (excluding the COVID-shortened 2020 season) and their 10th division title in 11 seasons.
1) Craig Counsell, Milwaukee Brewers
If this does in fact end up being Craig Counsell's final year with the Milwaukee Brewers, what a season it would be to go out on! Many expected the Brewers to regress in 2023, with Corbin Burnes, Willy Adames and Brandon Woodruff's names appearing in trade rumors last winter. Milwaukee won 92 games on their way to another NL Central division title, their third in the last six years. It's hard to believe that in nine years as the Brewers manager, Counsell has yet to win a Manager of the Year Award. This should be his year.
