While we still aren’t even a month in to the 2017 MLB season, there are a number of teams facing growing concerns following slow starts. There are some that feel there won’t be any moves during the perceived grace period throughout the first month of the season. However, it’s only a matter of time before at least a couple of teams decide to shake things up if they aren’t able to turn things around. Here is a look at the jobs that could be at risk following slow starts around the majors.
Manager John Gibbons, Toronto Blue Jays
It’s safe to say that the Blue Jays have been the biggest disappointment in baseball early on this season. Toronto was expected to contend for an American League East title but those hopes have faded quickly following a brutal 5-13 start to the MLB season. Gibbons inked an extension through 2019 with an option to stay with the club through 2020 earlier this month. Now that contract seems like a curse as the Blue Jays have stumbled out of the gate with the worst record in the majors. There is still time for Toronto to turn things around but all indications are that this club is in serious trouble.
The issue with this team is that they have a number of veterans that they have to decide about. Right now, the team is probably leaning towards being sellers at the trade deadline and working a full rebuild. It’s hard to believe that this team, which was one or two wins away from a World Series in previous MLB seasons, is now the worst club in the big leagues. That could fall on Gibbons’ shoulders. They’ll give him a little more time to right the ship but it’s clear he is on the hot seat following the absolutely terrible start.
3B: Jose Reyes, New York Mets
David Wright’s injury has forced the Mets to lean heavily on Reyes as their starting third basemen. However, Reyes hasn’t come close to living up to expectations early on. The 33-year-old veteran has hit .105 with just two extra-base hits through his first 57 plate appearances. While manager Terry Collins has preached patience with the hope that he will eventually come around, New York can’t afford to wait much longer. The Mets are 8-11 through their first 19 games so it might not be much longer before they decide to make a move.
OF: Byron Buxton, Minnesota Twins
Baseball fans in Minnesota and fantasy owners alike both hoped this would be the season Buxton tapped in to his immense potential with a breakout season. However, Buxton is off to a brutal start with an .082 average and a .257 OPS. The 23-year-old has had major trouble making contact and it might have something to do with the immense pressure on the former second overall pick. Manager Paul Molitor has said he will stick with his top prospect but he might change his mind if the situation doesn’t improve in the near future.
OF: Chris Marrero, San Francisco Giants
Jarrett Parker’s broken clavicle opened the door for Marrero to start in left field for the Giants. However, the 28-year-old journeyman has gone 4-for-30 with one home run and eight strikeouts. San Francisco could be tempted to try out an alternative option like Melvin Upton Jr. or top prospect Christian Arroyo. The Giants are 6-13 through their first 19 games and currently sit in the National League West basement. San Francisco might not be able to afford waiting much longer before making a change in left field.
Manager: Clint Hurdle, Pittsburgh Pirates
For a three-year span (2014-2016), the Pirates were a playoff contender in the National League. However, they experienced a 20-win drop last year, falling to 78-83. Things haven’t changed much this MLB season as the Pirates are just 8-10. Taking a look at the National League Central standings, the Pirates are in last place. The issue is that the future doesn’t look very bright for them. Starling Marte was suspended for half of the season and the rest of the division looks far more competitive than previously imagined. If the Pirates finish in the basement of the division once again, that could cost Hurdle his job.
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