Playoff Gaffes: Managers' Costly Decisions Exposed

As the 2026 World Series matchup between the Brewers and Rays is set, the spotlight turns to the 10 eliminated playoff teams and the managerial decisions that may have led to their downfall. Each of these skippers faces scrutiny for consequential choices made during the postseason.

The Boston Red Sox were eliminated early, with manager Chad Tracy's reluctance to stick with his starters in the wild-card series against the Yankees proving costly. Early bullpen calls led to surrendering significant leads and early exits.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts faced criticism for not turning to his bullpen earlier in NLDS Game 3, leading to key home runs against a tiring Blake Snell. His strategic pinch-hitting decisions also left the team with limited bench options.

In the wild-card series, Phillies manager Don Mattingly's decision to ask closer Jhoan Duran to pitch multiple innings in a high-leverage situation backfired. The gamble led to Duran surrendering a late, game-deciding home run.

The Yankees' season ended with manager Aaron Boone inserting Trent Grisham into the leadoff spot over Ben Rice in a crucial ALDS game. The decision resulted in a weak at-bat with the season on the line.

Padres manager Craig Stammen's decision to ask closer Mason Miller for a six-out save in Game 2 of the NLDS also proved detrimental. Miller struggled with command, ultimately allowing a walk-off hit.

Braves manager Walt Weiss's use of Chris Sale in relief during the wild-card series potentially impacted his availability and effectiveness in the subsequent NLDS against the Dodgers.

Astros manager Joe Espada opted to use rookie AJ Blubaugh to open a bullpen game in the wild-card series, a move that led to early struggles with walks and an early deficit.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell's decision to pitch Shota Imanaga in the regular season finale made him unavailable for the critical first two games of the wild-card series, which the Cubs lost decisively.

White Sox manager Will Venable faced criticism for overusing reliever Grant Taylor, whose workload may have contributed to his collapse in a pivotal Game 4.

Finally, Guardians manager Stephen Vogt's bullpen management, including questionable usage of closer Cade Smith and the overuse of high-leverage relievers in trailing situations, was highlighted as a key factor in their ALCS elimination.