The Gazette sports business insider is a reader’s guide to understanding the influence of money, politics and power behind their favorite leagues, teams and players:
Sports business insider: The Colorado Rockies are among three teams that fired their respective manager less than 50 games into the 2025 MLB season.
Short version: A poor start can lead to a pink slip. Just ask these now ex-MLB managers.
The Pirates fired Derek Shelton after 38 games (12-26) on May 8.
The Rockies fired Bud Black after 40 games (7-33) on May 11.
The Orioles fired Brandon Hyde after 43 games (15-28) on Saturday.
Rockies take dual approach to solve offense with interim co-hitting coaches
Long version: This marks the first time since 2002 that three MLB managers have been let go before June. Here is a closer look at why each situation soured.
Shelton (Pirates) — Pittsburgh won 61 games in 2021, and three seasons later, improved to 76 wins under Shelton’s leadership. Last year, generational rookie pitcher Paul Skenes gave the franchise a jolt. But a seven-game losing streak to begin this season ushered the franchise into a new direction.
Black (Rockies) — Colorado made the postseason in consecutive years (2017-18) after hiring Black. It hasn’t been back since. The Rockies anticipated improvement this season with the healthy return of key players. But Colorado fired Black when a third consecutive 100-loss season began to appear inevitable.
Hyde (Orioles) — He led a rebuild starting in 2018 with general manager Mike Elias. Baltimore won the AL East in 2023 with a league-best record of 101-61 and made the playoffs in 2024. Expectations were high entering this season. But the team slipped 13 games below .500 and the Orioles fired Hyde.
What a relief: Zach Agnos, a converted infielder, helps bullpen to rare Rockies success story
Key context: A common thread between fired MLB managers? Total failures in roster building by their respective front offices. All three teams did not address key free agency needs last offseason.
Pirates general manager Ben Cherington has traded most of their veteran major leaguers to stock an unimpressive farm system. Rockies general manager Bill Schmidt gave the usually injured Kris Bryant a seven-year, $182-million contract. Elias, the Orioles’ general manager, failed to adequately address pitching depth, and subsequent injuries derailed a recently promising franchise.
Looking ahead: The Rockies are at the halfway point of a four-game homestand against the Philadelphia Phillies at Coors Field. They welcome the New York Yankees for three games from Friday through Sunday.
