Eight New MLB Managers Evaluated at One-Quarter Mark of 2026 Season
Linxi News assesses performance and expectations for the league's new leadership cohort as the 2026 campaign reaches its midpoint
Eight new Major League Baseball managers have been evaluated and ranked based on team performance and expectations at the one-quarter mark of the 2026 season. The assessment, which draws from data provided by CBS Sports, identifies Walt Weiss as the standout performer among the cohort. Weiss, who ascended to the Atlanta Braves helm after eight years as Brian Snitker's bench coach, leads the rankings with a 25-11 record. The Braves have built an 8.5-game cushion in the National League East, a trajectory described as one of the best starts in franchise history.
Conversely, Tony Vitello faces significant criticism for guiding the San Francisco Giants to their worst start in franchise history. The Giants hold a 14-21 record, with projections suggesting they could finish behind the Rockies in the National League West. The evaluation explicitly excludes recent interim appointments, such as Don Mattingly and Chad Tracy, as well as Warren Schaeffer of the Rockies, due to their prior interim tenures or limited game counts at this writing.
Other managers assessed include Stammen of the San Diego Padres, Butera of the Washington Nationals, Schumaker of the Texas Rangers, Shelton of the Minnesota Twins, Suzuki of the Los Angeles Angels, and Albernaz of the Baltimore Orioles. The ranking methodology considers not only current standings but also whether managers are exceeding or falling short of reasonable consensus expectations relative to their roster's talent level.
Stammen has kept the San Diego Padres within spitting distance of the Dodgers despite concerns regarding age-related decline and rotation depth following the departure of Dylan Cease. Meanwhile, Butera has led the Washington Nationals to a third-place standing with a better record and run differential than the Mets and Phillies, exceeding expectations for a team deep in a rebuilding process.
Schumaker is tasked with returning the Texas Rangers to contention after two disappointing seasons following their 2023 World Series title. However, the Rangers have not secured a wild card berth, a result that would be considered a disappointment given the winnable nature of the American League West. Derek Shelton continues to struggle with the Minnesota Twins amidst significant pitching injuries, failing to seize a winnable AL Central division.
The Los Angeles Angels, under Mike Suzuki, have presided over a 13-23 record, leading to a likely fourth straight last-place finish. Despite this, José Soriano has had a Cy Young-caliber start. In Baltimore, Albernaz has taken the Orioles back, yet the club remains on pace for more than 90 losses despite playing one of the weakest schedules in baseball.
