The Miami Marlins officially hired Clayton McCullough as their 17th manager in franchise history. He takes over for Skip Schumaker following a mutual agreement to part ways in September.
McCullough joins the Marlins after spending 10 seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers organization, including the last four as the first base coach on manager Dave Roberts’ staff. The hiring reunites him with Marlins assistant general manager Gabe Kapler, who worked with McCullough during his tenure as Dodgers director of player development.
Over recent years McCullough interviewed or drew interest for managerial vacancies with the New York Mets, Milwaukee Brewers, Cleveland Guardians and Kansas City Royals, among others, during their respective searches.
He also was a candidate for the Chicago White Sox opening this offseason, which was filled by their hiring of Will Venable.
“It is an honor to be introduced as the Manager for the Miami Marlins, and I would like to thank Bruce, Peter, and the entire organization,” McCullough said in a statement.
“Following an incredible past few weeks, it is exciting to end the year by finding the right opportunity for me and my family. We have called South Florida home for the last 10 years, and now I get to lead the Marlins franchise forward with a culture that is built on determination, focus, and care.”
While McCullough was the Dodgers’ first base coach, he developed a strong relationship with Mookie Betts. That included Betts describing McCullough as his “favorite coach ever” and selecting him to be his pitcher in the 2023 Home Run Derby.
McCullough also assisted with developing outfielders, base stealing opportunities and in 2020 the Dodgers entrusted him to manage their alternate training site on the University of Southern California campus during the pandemic-shortened season.
“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Clayton and his family to the Marlins,” said Marlins president of baseball operations Peter Bendix.
“Throughout our process, his character, care for people and culture, passion for player development, and desire to win stood out and make him a perfect fit for our organization. He has an impressive track record of success, building relationships, and bringing positive energy every day.
“It’s clear that Clayton’s values and vision align perfectly with ours, and we are ready to begin working on the next exciting chapter for our club.”
Clayton McCullough’s coaching career
Although McCullough has never managed at the Major League level up to this point, he did oversee multiple Minor League affiliates while part of the Toronto Blue Jays organization.
McCullough was a Minor League manager for seven seasons, which included finishing with a winning record in six of them. He was named Florida State League Manager of the Year in 2011 and the Northwest League Manager of the Year in 2012.
McCullough went 402-367 as a Minor League manager in the Blue Jays’ farm system.
The Dodgers hired McCullough as their Minor League field coordinator before the start of the 2015 season, and he held that position until being promoted to first base coach in 2021.
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