4 Possible Replacements for Pirates After Parting Ways With Clint Hurdle

The 2013 NL Manager of the Year is out of a job, as the Pirates gave manager Clint Hurdle the boot on Sunday, just a few days after Hurdle himself made it clear he thought he was keeping his job. Pittsburgh has amassed a 69-92 mark this season, making it the fourth consecutive year that they've missed the postseason.

Hurdle put together a 735-720-1 record in nine seasons with only three playoff appearances as part of the Pirates, and with his roster being stripped of much of its talent, this was the next logical move. But who steps in?

4. Tom Prince

Tom Prince is serving as the Pirates’ interim manager following Hurdle’s firing, but Pittsburgh’s front office can go all in by removing “interim” from his title. After playing his first seven seasons with the Pirates, Prince returned to the organization as the manager for various Pirates’ minor league affiliates. A bench coach since 2017, Prince has the chance to prove himself as the temporary fill-in, but could benefit by being given peace of mind. The always budget-conscious Bucs could easily go this route.

3. John Farrell

Farrell spent five years as manager of the Boston Red Sox and hasn’t held that title since then, winning a World Series in 2013. Following a stint with the Reds as a scout, Farrell could make his return to the dugout in Pittsburgh, a departure from his recent role as...lobsterman in Maine. Seriously. In addition to his Boston run, the 57-year-old managed the Blue Jays in 2011 and 2012.

2. Mike Scioscia

Scioscia spent 19 seasons with the Angels as manager, but stepped down almost a year ago to the day. Having spent his entire managing career in Anaheim, Scioscia could get back in the game with a team that needs a major facelift. The Pirates don't have much to show for their last 19 years, but the 60-year-old could step in and try his hand with another squad, should he desire.

1. Joe Maddon

This would be quite the turn around, wouldn't it? Joe Maddon was just let go by the Cubs, but he reached the pinnacle of baseball with a World Series win in 2016. Maddon has 16 seasons of managerial experience, and will no doubt find another job in the MLB. If the Pirates want to get a proven guy, Maddon might be a good fit. It seems as if he'll likely head West (to San Diego or Anaheim), but Pittsburgh could make a genuine splash with the best available option here.