Oct 6, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) and first base coach Clayton McCullough (left) look on during warm ups before game two against San Diego Padres in the NLDS for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

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Marlins hire Dodgers’ Clayton McCullough as new manager: Reports

With a new manager in Clayton McCullough, the Marlins are ready to tackle the NL East.

The Atlanta Braves learned on Sunday evening who will be managing the Miami Marlins next season. According to MLB.com’s Christina De Nicola, the Marlins have appointed Clayton McCullough as their new manager.

McCullough has been the first base coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers for the last four seasons and brings experience from managing in the Toronto Blue Jays’ minor-league system.

Interestingly, Marlins assistant general manager Gabe Kapler once worked within the Dodgers’ organization during McCullough’s time as the first base coach. Now, Kapler and McCullough face the challenge of steering the Marlins out of the National League East basement.

Clayton McCullough named Marlins manager, per multiple reports including https://t.co/Z3s2EpgF39's @CDenicola13. pic.twitter.com/nUNA9g6PW0
— MLB (@MLB) November 10, 2024

The Marlins wrapped up the 2023 season with an 84-78 record, landing them third in the NL East and earning them a playoff spot. However, their postseason journey was brief, as they were quickly eliminated in the wild card round. This season, a tough start at 0-9 set them back, resulting in a 62-100 record, nine games away from fourth place in the division.

Despite being around for 32 seasons, the Marlins have never clinched the NL East title, finishing fourth or lower in three of the past four years.

Since 2011, the Marlins have six last-place finishes

McCullough was originally drafted by the then Cleveland Indians in the 22nd round of the 2002 MLB draft, spending four seasons as a catcher within their system and reaching Triple-A in 2005.

He will be the Marlins’ third manager in just four seasons. Don Mattingly, who led the team to the playoffs once in seven seasons, mutually parted ways with the Marlins in September 2022.

Just to give you a taste of how new Marlins skipper Clayton McCullough talks and what his priorities are, here's an extended interview he did with SportsNet LA in April 2023 pic.twitter.com/qA0Gurtyuc
— Fish On First (@FishOnFirst) November 11, 2024

Skip Schumaker managed the team for the past two seasons but, after a challenging second year, chose to explore other baseball opportunities following his NL Manager of the Year award win in 2023.

Since their 2003 World Series victory as a wild card team, the Marlins have only made the playoffs twice.

Image: © Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Clayton McCullough

Natasha Bose

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