MLB Teams Face Pressure as Underperforming Managers Remain Despite Poor Results

The Boston Red Sox, owned by Fenway Sports Group—the same entity that owns Liverpool FC—have taken decisive action by firing manager Alex Cora and multiple members of his coaching staff. This marks the first managerial firing of the 2026 MLB season and one of the most significant in recent years. The decision comes as the Red Sox find themselves in a three-way tie for 12th place in the American League standings alongside the Kansas City Royals and Chicago White Sox.

While the Red Sox have acted, two teams remain mired in worse circumstances without making similar changes: the Philadelphia Phillies and the New York Mets. Both franchises face dire circumstances, yet their ownership groups have so far refrained from firing their managers.

New York Mets: High Payroll, Poor Performance

The New York Mets' struggles are glaring. Owner Steve Cohen, who has invested heavily in the team, recently watched his squad endure a 12-game losing streak, followed by victories over the Minnesota Twins—only to be swept by the Colorado Rockies in a weekend series that has left fans and analysts baffled.

Currently, the Mets boast the league's highest payroll, yet their roster ranks as the fourth-oldest in MLB. Their offensive production is among the worst in baseball, with the fewest runs scored and the lowest OPS in the league. Despite these alarming metrics, manager Carlos Mendoza remains employed. Reports suggest Cohen’s hesitation stems from frustration over not being the first to act after the Red Sox’s high-profile firing of Cora.

Philadelphia Phillies: Stagnation at the Bottom

The Philadelphia Phillies, another team struggling at the bottom of the standings, have yet to address their managerial situation. Their circumstances mirror those of the Mets in terms of underperformance, though their payroll and roster dynamics differ. The Phillies' lack of action raises questions about their long-term strategy and commitment to change.

As the MLB season progresses, the pressure mounts on both the Mets and Phillies to address their managerial situations. With the Red Sox setting a precedent, the question remains: how long will ownership groups tolerate underperformance before making the tough decisions necessary to turn things around?