Who are the best current MLB managers? Ranked by baseball fans, these top coaches carry a lot of weight in pro-baseball. Before each game, they choose the batting order and starting pitcher, and make substitutions as the game unfolds. They decide on relievers, pinch-hitters, and defensive replacements, all while maintaining strategic control. For the top MLB managers, it all comes down to one thing: winning. So, who's the best? Many fans would argue it's either Terry Francona or Joe Maddon, both two-time World Series champions. Recent World Series winners like Dave Roberts of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Dave Martinez of the Washington Nationals, Alex Cora of the Boston Red Sox, and 2021 winner Brian Snitker of the Atlanta Braves are also in the running. Vote for the best current MLB manager, then check out the Best MLB Managers of All Time.
About this list
- 1

Terry Francona, seen as one of the game's most strategic and respected managers, changed baseball. Francona managed two teams to World Series titles by handling many player personalities. His dedication to a positive clubhouse and developing young players created contenders and earned him fan and manager respect.
161 - 2

Bruce Bochy has a legendary career full of knowledge and experience. Bochy leads and motivates teams to win big. Bochy’s legacy is in baseball history. Bochy shows the passion, commitment, and resilience of a true baseball lifer.
134 - 3

Craig Counsell, a former player, manages by thinking outside the box and adapting to baseball's constant changes. Counsell uses creative game strategies, like odd lineups and bullpen use, leading to success. His unique ideas and drive make him a top mind in the game.
69 - 4

Dave Roberts is a charismatic, energetic manager. Roberts connects with players, pushing them to their best. Roberts builds team chemistry and a winning culture, guiding his teams to playoff appearances and deep postseason runs. His passion and talent development make him a respected force.
57 - 5

Dusty Baker has unmatched knowledge and deep game understanding as a highly experienced manager. Baker guided many teams through tough times with a steady hand. Baker builds strong player relationships and fosters a harmonious clubhouse, making him a respected figure.
56 - 6

Brian Snitker manages a true player's team. He builds trust and teamwork. Snitker maximizes veteran and young player potential. This leads his team to steady success and playoff appearances. His strong leadership and motivation earn him respect among managers.
54 - 7

Kevin Cash rose fast as a top baseball manager. His open mind for new ideas and focus on player growth fueled this. Cash used modern analytics in game plans, pushing limits. He pioneered the "opener" pitching strategy. This forward thinking, plus sharp communication, helped his team beat expectations often, making him a manager many want.
48 - 8

Buck Showalter's long career shows great detail and hard work. Showalter turns losing teams into winners. He instills baseball basics and builds a winning culture. This dedication earns admiration from other managers; he is a respected figure in the sport.
29 - 9

A. J. Hinch succeeds as an MLB manager using analysis and people skills. Hinch balances data with the game's human side. Hinch builds championship teams, earning fan and manager respect. His focus on player performance and young talent makes a lasting impact.
22 - 10

Bob Melvin leads well, getting the best from his players any time. Melvin uses a calm manner and strong communication. His steady guidance brings teams to the playoffs. Melvin earns the respect of players, fans, and peers by protecting the game and building a good clubhouse.
22 - 11

Skip Schumaker quickly made his mark as a dedicated leader, focusing on player development. His past as a player gives him insight into today's athletes' struggles, helping him connect and inspire his team. Schumaker's drive to maximize player potential and build a good clubhouse culture points toward a bright future.
-2 - 12

Mark Kotsay's dedication to player development and caring for his players' well-being built a reputation as a manager who values character. His experience as a player and coach gave him the skills to talk to his roster and push them to their peak. Kotsay's focus on a supportive, inclusive setting sets the stage for lasting success.
-3 - 13

Brandon Hyde quickly became a genuine leader, prioritizing player development and growth. Hyde built a positive clubhouse culture and strong player relationships, laying groundwork for future success. His firm belief in young talent and commitment to development earned respect from players and other managers, making him a top rising leader.
Also ranks #10 on Best Miami Marlins Managers
-4 - 14

David Ross, a former catcher now a manager, used his player rapport and field experience to start his career strong. Ross manages personalities and instills a strong work ethic, earning respect from players and peers. Ross's focus on a positive clubhouse, plus his game knowledge, makes him a rising star.
-7 - 15

Torey Lovullo built strong player bonds and a supportive team setting, which helped his management succeed. Lovullo shows a huge work ethic and sharp attention to detail, always getting the most from his roster despite tough times. Lovullo's balanced game view and deep game understanding make him a valuable asset.
-10 - 16
John Schneider shows strong leadership and focuses on player development as an up-and-coming manager. Schneider believes in his players and instills core baseball rules, building a reputation for maximizing his roster's output. Schneider creates a positive, supportive setting, positioning him to impact the game as a bright young mind.
-17 - 17

Rocco Baldelli quickly built a name in MLB as an adaptable, forward-thinking manager. Baldelli mixes modern analytics with old baseball rules, making smart choices that improve team performance. His genuine care for players and ability to build an inclusive clubhouse culture put him among the sport's most promising leaders.
Also ranks #14 on Best Tampa Bay Rays
-20 - 18
Pedro Grifol's coaching history gives him deep player development knowledge and strong communication skills with his team. Grifol builds a united, collaborative clubhouse, setting the stage for lasting success. Grifol’s focus on player growth and leadership makes him a rising star.
-21 - 19
Matt Quatraro's coaching background earns him recognition as an innovative leader who challenges baseball norms. Quatraro embraces modern analytics while valuing the human side of the game, optimizing his team's performance. His mix of smarts and passion makes him a major force.
-22 - 20

Phil Nevin's playing and coaching history shapes his management style, mixing old baseball rules with new ideas. Nevin focuses on developing individuals and maximizing player potential, earning respect from peers and players. Nevin uses a positive clubhouse culture and hard work to make a big impact in baseball management.
-22 - 21

Scott Servais is a diligent, adaptable manager, showing an open mind and commitment to new ideas. Servais communicates well with players and builds strong ties, creating a supportive, competitive clubhouse. Servais uses his experience, passion, and drive to lead his team to wins, making him a top figure.These are the best minds.These minds operate in the game today.
-29 - 22

Aaron Boone manages a high-profile team with big expectations since taking charge. He keeps success steady despite injuries and a tough schedule. Peers praise his ability. Fans admire him. Boone uses analytics and works hard to build a good clubhouse. This makes Boone a top manager in the game today.
-38 - 23

Gabe Kapler quickly became a manager. He embraces change and tries new ways to boost his team's performance. Kapler uses sports science and data to make decisions. He pushes limits and challenges old baseball rules. His forward thinking and focus on a good clubhouse make him respected. He pioneers the changing game of baseball.
-38 - 24

David Bell quickly became a diligent, adaptable manager. He welcomes new ideas and questions old advice. Bell builds a positive clubhouse and a winning culture. This brings consistent success for his team. Bell mixes old baseball rules with modern analytics. He is a rising manager and a major force now.
-38 - 25

Dave Martinez showed strong leadership. He held unwavering faith in his players. These factors brought impressive accomplishments during his time managing. Martinez inspires and rallies his team when stakes are high. He consistently guides his squad to deep postseason runs. Experience, passion, and determination form his unique combination. This makes him one of the most respected MLB managers.
-38 - 26

Derek Shelton manages with attention to detail and strong player development experience. Shelton focuses on character as a leader. He builds strong player bonds and creates a place of trust and friendship. This builds success over time. Shelton's commitment to his players and game knowledge make him one of the most promising MLB managers.
-41 - 27

Oliver Marmol joins MLB management with knowledge and experience from playing and coaching in the minor leagues. Marmol builds strong player relationships, focusing on individual growth. This emotionally intelligent, player-focused style earns respect from other managers and sets up a bright future. Marmol pushes old ideas, making him a forward-thinking leader.
-56 - 28

Bud Black has decades of playing and managing experience. This gives him a deep game understanding and strong player communication skills. Black focuses on developing pitchers and uses game strategy expertise to build competitive teams. Black's calm attitude and knowledge make him highly respected by players and peers.
-58
More like this

2020 National League Manager Of The Year
Fans vote: Who will be the 2020 National League Manager Of The Year? Top 3: Jayce Tingler, David Bell, Don Mattingly

Famous Baseball Catchers
Meet the most famous catchers in baseball, with photos when available. Ranked by popularity, this list puts the most recognizable catchers at the top. Who's the best catcher of all time? Use this list to settle the debate.

List of Famous Baseball Managers
Meet the top baseball managers worldwide, with photos, bios, and more. This list features the most prominent managers, both living and dead, from America and abroad, ordered by their level of prominence.

Best San Diego Padres
Over 1,000 sports fans voted on 90+ athletes for Best San Diego Padres Of All Time, with Tony Gwynn, Trevor Hoffman, and Dave Winfield currently in the top 3.

Comments (0)
Join the conversation
Sign in to share your take and reply to others.
First take? Share what stood out to you.