
MLB Players Spill the Beans: Who They Want to Play For and Why the A's Get the Cold Shoulder
2025-06-11
Author: Ting
In a world where major league players often walk a tightrope, where each game could lead to a million-dollar contract or a swift exit, the opinions on managers and teams matter. This season, we dug deep into the minds of over 100 anonymous MLB players to uncover which managers they crave to play for and which organizations they would avoid like the plague.
The Managers Players Adore
While there's no clear favorite, the veteran managers certainly have their supporters. A notable chunk—almost one-sixth—of respondents declared Bruce Bochy, the 70-year-old mastermind of the diamond, as their top choice. Hot on his heels is Terry Francona, age 66, who has turned around teams like the Red Sox and Indians.
One player praised Bochy, saying, "He’s knowledgeable, fun, and you can only learn from a man with his experience." Meanwhile, Francona was described as having a laid-back yet commanding presence, likened to a wise 'young grandpa.'
Following these legends, young gun Stephen Vogt also made waves, amassing over 12% of the votes as a player-friendly manager. Craig Counsell and dual fifth-place holders Brian Snitker and Dave Roberts rounded out the desired coaching ranks.
Who Gets the Side-Eye?
When it comes to managers players would prefer to avoid, Bud Black and St. Louis Cardinals’ Oli Marmol shared the spotlight, each receiving five votes. Interestingly, some responses hinted that players are wary of these managers due to their teams' current struggles.
One anonymous pitcher mentioned Black solely because he used to manage the Rockies—"the team just stinks." Marmol, on the other hand, had peers scratching their heads as they struggled to recall his name!
Players Share Their Gripes
The opinions continued to roll in, with surprising honesty. One player remarked about Black’s incessant chatter in the dugout being a nuisance, while another quipped about the Angels' organizational confusion.
Which Teams Are on Players’ No-Go Lists?
Opening Day revealed that teams like the Athletics, White Sox, Marlins, and Rockies were among those with the smallest payrolls, leading players to brand them as less desirable. The A's, often in the news for their poor reputation, were singled out by 39 players.
One player bluntly stated, "They’re cheap and relocating to Sacramento!" as another recounted tales of a teammate's dismal minor league experience with the A's.
The Teams They Covet
On the flip side, glory awaits with teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers, who bagged 82 positive mentions for their impressive organization and resources—making them the team players want to join. The legendary New York Yankees were close behind with 40 votes, reaffirming their status as a baseball beacon.
Players expressed a clear preference for organizations that promote success and take care of their own. One commented, "Teams that invest in winning treat their players exceptionally well."
Conclusion: The Player Perspective
As the season unfolds, the opinions collected reveal not just preferences but also an underlying philosophy among MLB players—they seek environments that support winning, growth, and personal well-being. The game is a business, but the players' views remind us it's still a family, albeit one with a competitive edge.