The AL Manager of the Year race is heating up, and let me tell you, these three guys are not just managing teams — they’re pulling off borderline baseball wizardry. With one week left in the regular season, the standings are still tighter than a rookie’s first glove, but when it comes to managerial performance? The shortlist is crystal clear.
John Schneider’s Remarkable Turnaround in Toronto
Let’s start north of the border with John Schneider, who’s flipped the Toronto Blue Jays from basement-dwellers to division dominators faster than you can say “Vladdy Jr.” Listen to this: last year, they were dead last in the AL East. This year? They’re sittin’ at 89-64 and lookin’ like they’ve got the division locked up for the first time since 2015. And here’s the kicker — the roster is basically the same! That’s like taking your leftover Thanksgiving dinner and turning it into a five-star feast. The rotation? Jumped from 3.1 WAR to 10.7. The lineup? Boosted to 24.6 WAR. And that +159 run differential? That’s not just a number — that’s a statement. Schneider’s been the glue while guys like Santander, Francis, and Garcia have been hurt. No excuses, just results.
Will Venable’s White Sox Are Losing, But Building Something Bigger
Now, swing it over to the South Side of Chicago because Will Venable is doing the impossible. Yes, the White Sox are still losing more than they win, but let’s not overlook the story here. From 41 wins to 57 and counting, with a payroll that’s barely enough to afford a superstar’s lunch tab. The real magic? Rookies. Six — count ‘em, SIX — rookie position players contributing a combined 7.9 WAR. Toss in 4.6 WAR from rookie pitchers, and suddenly Venable’s building something real. This might not be a Manager of the Year-winning record, but it’s definitely a Manager of the Year-worthy rebuild. And let’s not forget — only once in history has a manager won the award with a losing record. Venable’s not just coaching; he’s changing a culture.
Alex Cora Keeps Boston Relevant Through Chaos
And finally, Alex Cora. He’s the guy who gets thrown into a bar brawl, loses his backup, his star, and his left shoe, and still somehow walks out with the last word. The Red Sox lost Devers in a midseason trade. Walker Buehler didn’t bounce back, Sandoval didn’t pitch an inning, Casas got hurt, and Campbell got the Triple-A taxi. That’s not a lineup, that’s a script for a tragedy. But Cora has them sitting at 83-70, with a +98 run differential and a wild-card spot barely hanging on. It’s not just about wins here — it’s about keeping the ship afloat when every plank’s falling off. If Boston sneaks into the playoffs, there’s no way his name isn’t on every voter’s radar.
So who gets the crown? Well, if Toronto takes the East, Schneider might already have the champagne on ice. If Cora drags Boston across the finish line, he’s right there with him. And if the White Sox avoid triple-digit losses? Venable walks out a hero — win or not.
