Five GMs on the hot seat entering the 2026 MLB season

Eight managers were replaced following the 2025 MLB season, with the Rockies removing the interim tag on manager Warren Schaeffer. Of those teams, the Rockies were the only organization to change their general manager and president of baseball operations. 

That may not be the case in 2026. Firing or replacing a manager is typically the last step before the GM is on the chopping block. Likewise, other underperforming teams may want to entirely clear house and start over with a fresh perspective.

Let's take a look at five GMs who may be on the hot seat entering the 2026 season.

Five GMs on the hot seat heading into next season

1. Mike Elias, Baltimore Orioles

There may not be a seat hotter than Elias'. USA Today's Bob Nightengale speculated that, if the Orioles miss the playoffs in 2026, Elias may be out the door. The Orioles were one of the biggest disappointments in the league last season, finishing last in the AL East in 2025 after winning a combined 192 games over the previous two seasons. Another lackluster offseason and performance on the diamond may lead to drastic changes in the front office.

2. Ben Cherington, Pittsburgh Pirates

Cherington has been at the helm for the Pirates since the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. In that time, the Pirates have not won more than 76 games in a season. While Cherington has done a great job stocking the farm system, the results have not translated to a winning season in the majors. With ownership reportedly willing to spend on the roster this offseason, another losing year may mark the end of Cherington's time in Pittsburgh.

3. Perry Minasian, Los Angeles Angels

The Angels have not had a winning season since 2015 and have not reached the postseason since 2014. Minasian, who took over as the GM during the 2020-21 offseason, is on his fifth manager with Kurt Suzuki. Owner Arte Moreno has continually expected his team to contend for the playoffs, only to fail miserably each year. If the Angels do not show signs of ending their postseason drought, or finish below .500 again, Minasian may find his way out the door.

4. A.J. Preller, San Diego Padres

Preller has been nothing if not active since taking over as the Padres GM toward the end of the 2014 season. He has continually turned the roster over, making trade after trade in an attempt to get the Padres over the playoff hump. There has been some success as San Diego has reached the postseason four times since 2020. However, the Padres have reached the NL Championship Series only once. With a potential change in ownership on the horizon, Preller may need a deep playoff run in 2026 to keep his job.

5. Brian Cashman, New York Yankees

Cashman, the longest-tenured GM in the majors, has held his position since 1998. While the Yankees won the World Series in each of his first three seasons at the helm, it is fair to wonder how much he had to do with those titles. Since then, the Yankees have won one World Series, back in 2009, and have only made one other appearance (2024) in the Fall Classic. Flawed rosters and a lack of urgency have led to continued early playoff exits for a franchise that measures success by World Series titles. Cashman may not be on the traditional hot seat in regard to being fired, but another disappointing season may be enough for a "promotion" to get another voice making the roster decisions.