Marlins Massacre: Coaching Staff Gutted in Sudden Shakeup

Fish On First’s Isaac Azout initially reported on Tuesday that he was hearing the term “blood bath” regarding the Marlins’ firings. Azout wasn’t far off, as Mish confirmed the news on Wednesday.

Assuming this report indeed does mean the entire staff, that would include hitting coach John Mabry, assistant hitting coaches Bill Mueller and Jason Hart, pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre Jr.., third base coach Griffin Benedict, infield coach Jody Reed, bullpen coach Wellington Cepeda, bullpen coordinator Rob Flippo and field coordinator Rod Barajas.

The Marlins were the third organization that former baseball journeyman Mabry worked with as a coach. He had been with the team since 2023. The club was also Stottlemyre’s third organization he’s been a part of. He previously served on the Arizona Diamondbacks and Seattle Mariners’ coaching staffs.

Mueller and Hart, meanwhile, were also recently hired in 2024 and 2023, respectively. Mueller is a 2004 World Series champion with the Boston Red Sox, and his resume is highlighted by a Silver Slugger Award and American League batting title in 2003.

The Twins hired Flippo in 2018 and Cepeda in 2020, making them the longest-tenured staff members. Benedict, Reed, and Barajas, a 2001 World Series champion with the Arizona Diamondbacks, had only been with the Marlins since 2023.

What Does the Future Hold for the Marlins?

The Marlins finished with a 62-100 record in 2024 and in last place in the National League East. It was a disappointing effort, given that the club was a wild-card team in 2023, finishing in third at 84-78.

It’s been a tumultuous five years for the Marlins. Between former CEO Derek Jeter stepping down, the hiring and departure of former general manager Kim Ng, a pair of postseason appearances in 2020 and 2023, and now the gutting of their coaching staff, they have many questions to answer this offseason. This is merely the beginning of a likely harrowing rebuild in Miami.