Five MLB managers who could be on hot seat

With 10 new managers in Major League Baseball — one third of all teams — few skippers may remain to fire.

Still, several managers face uncertain futures as Opening Day nears. Here are five skippers on the hot seat.

Aaron Boone, New York Yankees

Every Yankees manager is on the hot seat working for a club with 27 titles and a World Series-or-bust mentality. Boone understands and embraces the pressure. Although the Yankees have won at least 92 games in six of his seven full seasons, fans' discontent and media speculation will build if New York starts slow.

Joe Espada, Houston Astros

Espada and GM Dana Brown both begin contract years after owner Jim Crane refused extensions. The Astros missed the postseason last year despite an 87-75 record, following an American League West title in Espada’s rookie 2024 season. Houston had made eight straight playoff appearances until last year, so there is pressure to play October baseball in 2026.

Carlos Mendoza, New York Mets

Mendoza barely survived last season’s collapse. The Mets had the best record in the major leagues on June 12 at 45-24, then went 38-55 for the rest of the year. The Mets revamped their roster and coaching staff. With so much change, Mendoza must start strong.

Derek Shelton, Minnesota Twins

Though Shelton hasn’t managed the Twins yet, the man who hired him, president of baseball operations Derek Falvey, resigned two weeks before spring training. General manager Jeremy Zoll was part of the hiring process, but could be collateral damage from structural changes in ownership. If Zoll leaves, his successor may want to choose his own manager.

Kurt Suzuki, Los Angeles Angels

One-year managerial contracts are rare, but that’s all Suzuki got as a first-time manager. Suzuki was universally respected as a player, but he knowingly walked into a tough situation in the wacky world of the Los Angeles Angels.