Six managers made compelling cases for 2026 honors, but their paths differed: Kevin Cash and Pat Murphy led teams that far outperformed preseason projections, while Chad Tracy and Don Mattingly took over struggling clubs midseason and steered them to the playoffs. Will Venable helped end the White Sox’s losing streak of seasons, and Walt Weiss guided an injury-hit Braves team to a division title in his first year as manager.

By the Numbers
  • Rays: 98 wins, 19 above FanGraphs’ preseason projection.
  • Red Sox: 32-5 run beginning June 25; 77-58 under Tracy.
  • White Sox: 84 wins after three straight 100-loss seasons.
  • Brewers: 103 wins, with 80 starts by rookies.
  • Braves: 94 wins and a division title in Weiss’ first season.
  • Phillies: Fourth-best record in baseball after Mattingly took over.
Yes, But

Manager of the Year is based on regular-season performance, so Tampa Bay’s American League pennant does not factor into Cash’s case. Murphy is pursuing a third straight award, but voter fatigue could work against him. Venable’s White Sox reached the Division Series but lost three straight after taking a 2-0 lead.

What’s Next

The winners are scheduled to be announced Tuesday. Murphy could become the first manager to win the award three years in a row.

Bottom Line

The finalists’ cases hinge on different kinds of impact: exceeding expectations, rebuilding a team’s confidence or keeping a contender on course through adversity. The winner will be the manager voters believe made the biggest difference over the regular season.