Clayton McCullough has been appointed to lead the Miami Marlins as they embark on a rebuilding phase for the 2025 season and beyond. Following the conclusion of the 2024 regular season, the Marlins announced their decision to bring in the former Los Angeles Dodgers first base coach as their new manager. The managerial position in Miami became available after Skip Schumaker was informed that he would not return, a move that had been anticipated since April when it was revealed that Schumaker requested the removal of his team option for 2025 from his contract.

Under Schumaker's leadership, the Marlins enjoyed a promising start in 2023, posting an 84-78 record and clinching a surprise playoff spot as a wild-card team, earning him the NL Manager of the Year accolade. However, the optimism quickly faded during the 2024 season as the team struggled, culminating in a disappointing 62-100 record. Notably, the Marlins initiated a fire sale when they traded Luis Arráez to the San Diego Padres on May 4, followed by the departure of several key players, including Jazz Chisholm Jr., Tanner Scott, Trevor Rogers, Bryan De La Cruz, Josh Bell, and A.J. Puk. These transactions ultimately aided the Marlins in replenishing their farm system, with 15 new players acquired, nine of whom made it onto MLB.com's top-30 prospect list. Despite this influx of talent, analysts indicate that the Miami farm system ranks 20th in the league, suggesting that while trades yielded quantity, they may lack marquee impact players.

Looking ahead, questions remain about the level of investment ownership will make to enhance the team's performance. However, improvements are anticipated, particularly with 2022 NL Cy Young Award winner Sandy Alcántara expected to return following Tommy John surgery in October 2023. McCullough faces the challenge of rebuilding under financial constraints imposed by ownership, but he brings a wealth of coaching experience to his new role. Having joined the Dodgers organization as a minor league coordinator in 2015, McCullough served as the first base coach for the Dodgers since 2021, contributing to the team's 2024 World Series championship. His past playing career included a stint as a draft pick in 2002, reaching the Triple-A level before transitioning into coaching. His background not only includes a brief playing career but also various roles with the Toronto Blue Jays' minor league system, where he developed as a hitting instructor and manager. With the Marlins in need of strong development coaches, McCullough's wealth of experience, especially in nurturing young talent, is expected to play a crucial role as the team aims to maximize the potential of its newly acquired players.