MLB Managers of the Year Race: Venable vs. Cash Showdown

Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From MLB Pro Baseball Today

2023 AL and NL Manager of the Year Contenders

In the race for the American League Manager of the Year, Will Venable appears to be a strong contender, with Chad Tracy also in the mix. Earlier in the season, Kevin Cash was considered a potential frontrunner, but his chances have diminished due to recent performance setbacks of his team. Despite facing a couple of series losses against the Orioles, Cash's argument hinges on his team finishing with the best overall record in MLB, a milestone that seems increasingly improbable.

The Chicago White Sox's strong season positions Venable as the favorite. Their significant improvement and likely postseason appearance reinforce Venable's candidacy, contradicting their preseason expectations and making a compelling case for his selection as Manager of the Year.

In the National League, the competition appears tight with Walt Weiss currently leading the pack, closely followed by Pat Murphy. Craig Counsell and Don Mattingly both stand at +500 odds, presenting them as less favorable options. However, Torey Lovullo emerges as a potential sleeper candidate if he leads the Arizona Diamondbacks into the postseason. His success hinges on key players like Ketel Marte and Corbin Carroll performing well, which could dramatically strengthen his case for Manager of the Year.

Meanwhile, Pat Murphy's achievements with his team, particularly surpassing teams like the Dodgers with high preseason expectations, positions him as a strong contender for the award. Despite potential voter fatigue, Murphy's record-setting season might earn him the prestigious title, given that the voting concludes right after the regular season and doesn't consider postseason performance.