MIAMI — After several successful seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Clayton McCullough has gained valuable insights into what it takes to achieve victory in Major League Baseball. Recently appointed as the Miami Marlins’ 17th manager, McCullough felt a strong connection to the franchise during his discussions with team executives that convinced him he could guide the organization toward success.
McCullough expressed his enthusiasm after engaging in conversations with Peter Bendix, Marlins’ president of baseball operations, emphasizing the significance of culture and people within the organization. “As I talked with Peter about his vision for the future, the emphasis on culture and winning resonated with me,” McCullough shared, highlighting how it ‘felt right’ to take on this new role.
The Marlins officially introduced McCullough as their manager on Monday, hoping he will play a crucial role in their ongoing rebuilding strategy after a disappointing season, in which the team finished with a 62-100 record, marking their second time losing over 100 games in six years.
In hopes of rejuvenating the team, the Marlins made significant roster changes, trading away several of their star players for young prospects to build for the future. In addition, they reached a mutual agreement to part ways with Skip Schumaker, who was honored as the National League Manager of the Year in 2023.
“I don’t want an 18th manager,” remarked Marlins owner Bruce Sherman, noting that this is his third managerial hire since 2022. “I want a 17th manager who can stay for many years to come.”
In recent weeks, McCullough participated in multiple video calls with Bendix and other executives. He connected with them in person at his home shortly after the Dodgers celebrated their World Series victory over the New York Yankees, followed by a dining visit to Miami with the team’s leadership.
“My comfort level increased significantly with each interaction,” McCullough stated, reflecting on the process with optimism about his future with the Miami organization.
Coming from an organization eager to invest in top-tier talent, the Marlins present a stark contrast with their lower payroll strategy; they are projected to spend around $31.5 million in the upcoming season. McCullough acknowledges, “There are various paths to victory. A higher payroll does not guarantee success; successful teams focus on preparation and attention to detail, making steady improvements daily.”
Despite the challenges of leading a rebuilding franchise, McCullough sees the potential in player development. “I’ve always been passionate about nurturing talent,” he expressed. “At the major league level, the notion of age becomes secondary; players crave coaching and aspire to enhance their skills, regardless of experience.”
A native of Oxford, North Carolina, McCullough grew up immersed in baseball, influenced by his father, Howard, who coached at the University of North Carolina and scouted for major league teams. He played for one season at Vanderbilt before transferring to East Carolina University, subsequently being drafted by the Cleveland Guardians in the 22nd round in 2002, where he spent time in their minor league system until 2005.
McCullough accumulated seven years of managerial experience within the Blue Jays’ minor league system. He joined the Dodgers’ staff in 2015 as the minor league field coordinator and later transitioned to serve as the team’s first base coach. He credits mentors such as Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and former Blue Jays coach Luis Rivera for shaping his development.
When asked what made him the right choice, Bendix emphasized McCullough’s qualities of patience, consistency, and real care for his players as individuals. Sherman also acknowledged that the hiring process for this position was intricate, with a range of candidates under consideration, including former Guardians bench coach Craig Albernaz and Will Venable, a former associate manager for Texas.
“This was the perfect fit,” Sherman confirmed. “Once I realized that it aligned, I knew we had found the right person for the job.”