St. Louis, MO – St. Louis Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol has long been known for his fiery personality and passionate defense of his players. But heading into the 2025 MLB season, many around the league believe he will earn another distinction—becoming the most ejected manager in baseball.
Marmol, who enters his fourth full season at the helm of the Cardinals, has built a reputation for challenging umpires with intensity, often pushing the limits of their patience. In 2024, he was ejected eight times, the second-most among all managers, trailing only Aaron Boone of the Yankees. With MLB’s continued crackdown on arguing balls and strikes—especially with the implementation of an automated challenge system—Marmol’s frequent disputes could lead to an even higher number of early exits this season.
A Fiery Reputation
The Cardinals skipper has never shied away from confrontation, whether it’s defending his players or questioning questionable calls. His most notable ejection last season came during a heated exchange with umpire Angel Hernandez, where Marmol was tossed just minutes into the game after disputing a borderline strike call.
Former players and analysts believe his intensity is both a strength and a potential liability.
“You love to see that passion from your manager,” former Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright said on a local St. Louis radio show. “He fights for his guys, and sometimes that means getting tossed. But there’s a fine line between being an advocate for your team and putting them in a tough spot.”
What to Expect in 2025
With the Cardinals looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2024 season, Marmol’s energy could be a double-edged sword. On one hand, his willingness to challenge umpires might ignite his players and bring an edge to the clubhouse. On the other, excessive ejections could leave his team without its leader in key moments.
Betting odds for the season reflect the expectations that Marmol will be the league’s most frequently ejected manager. Some sportsbooks have already set the over/under on his ejections at 10.5—higher than any other manager.
As the season kicks off, all eyes will be on the Cardinals’ dugout. Will Marmol’s passion fuel a turnaround for St. Louis, or will it see him spending more time in the clubhouse than he’d like? One thing is certain—fans should expect plenty of fireworks when he takes the field in 2025.
