For many professional baseball players, the major leagues can feel like an unstable environment. While lucrative contracts worth eight or nine figures are the exception, the reality is that every pitch, every plate appearance, and every defensive play can serve as a mini-audition for 29 other teams. This constant scrutiny leads to players pondering whether the grass is greener on another home field.
In our annual anonymous player poll conducted this spring, we surveyed over 100 major leaguers regarding which opposing managers they would most and least want to play for, alongside their opinions on which rival organizations carry good and bad reputations. Although this poll is not a scientific study, it offers intriguing insights into player sentiments.
Interestingly, there was no clear consensus among players regarding their preferred managers. However, veteran manager Bruce Bochy, aged 70, emerged as a popular choice, with nearly one-sixth of respondents naming him as the opposing manager they would most like to play for. Close behind him was Terry Francona, 66, both of whom have recently returned to coaching after taking a break from the demanding profession. Their combined experience and six World Series titles contribute to their esteemed reputations.
One player remarked about Bochy: “He’s a fun guy to play for and has so much experience that you can’t do anything but learn from him.” Following Bochy and Francona, Stephen Vogt received more than 12 percent of the votes, praised for his approachable nature and familiarity as a former big-league catcher. Craig Counsell secured fourth place with 7.4 percent, while Brian Snitker and Dave Roberts tied for fifth at 5.7 percent each. Other notable managers mentioned included Alex Cora, Carlos Mendoza, Aaron Boone, and A.J. Hinch.
The responses regarding managers players would prefer not to play for were less frequent, showcasing a wider variance in opinions. Bud Black, previously managing the struggling Colorado Rockies, and Oli Marmol of the St. Louis Cardinals tied at the top, each receiving five votes. Some players added clarifications to their choices, with one National League pitcher stating, “Only because (the Rockies) stink,” reflecting the overall sentiment of frustration with the organization.
Other managers receiving votes included Gabe Kapler, who has been out of a job since his dismissal from the San Francisco Giants in 2023, and Mike Shildt of the San Diego Padres. Players expressed varying degrees of familiarity with these managers, leading to some hesitant responses. One player noted, “I don’t really know many managers,” highlighting the difficulty of forming opinions in such a dynamic environment.
When it comes to organizational reputations, the results from our poll revealed a pattern among teams with low payrolls. The Athletics, Chicago White Sox, Miami Marlins, and Pittsburgh Pirates were frequently mentioned as organizations with poor standing among players. Remarkably, 39 out of 115 players identified the Athletics as having a bad reputation, while 31 pointed to the White Sox, who recently endured a historically poor season.
Other teams that garnered negative mentions included the Rockies, Angels, and the resourceful but financially conservative Tampa Bay Rays. One American League player reflected on the challenges of playing for these organizations, stating, “At the end of the day, you’re in the big leagues. How can you complain?” This sentiment underscores the complexities of player preferences in a competitive landscape.
On the flip side, major leaguers expressed their appreciation for organizations that have earned a positive reputation. The Los Angeles Dodgers led the pack, with 82 of 126 respondents naming them as a team with a strong standing. Following closely were the New York Yankees, who also enjoy a rich tradition and substantial resources, receiving 40 mentions.
Among other organizations that received favorable reviews were the Atlanta Braves, Chicago Cubs, New York Mets, and Cleveland Guardians, each recognized for their commitment to player welfare and development. Players praised the Dodgers for their successful combination of winning and treating players well, with one saying, “You go there, looks like that happens.”
In conclusion, the perspectives shared by major league players provide a fascinating glimpse into the dynamics of player-manager relationships and organizational reputations within baseball. As these athletes navigate the complexities of their careers, the insights gathered from this survey highlight the critical aspects of what players value in their teams and managers.
Editor’s note: Some player quotes included in this story have been lightly edited for length and clarity.
