Former Cardinals fan favorite reportedly “on the Reds' radar” to replace fired manager

The St. Louis Cardinals have frustrated their fans after two mediocre seasons, and many are hoping for a change in leadership this coming offseason.

Cardinals manager Oli Marmol was recently criticized for leading St. Louis through two consecutive seasons in which they missed the playoffs and were on the verge of finishing with a losing record for the second year in a row – something that hasn't happened to the franchise since the 1950s.

It may be time for the Cardinals to part ways with Marmol and look for a new manager this winter, but a former St. Louis fan favorite may no longer be an option as a National League Central rival looks to sign him.

“Miami Marlins manager Skip Schumaker is on the (Cincinnati) Reds' radar as a possible replacement for David Bell, who was fired Sunday night,” Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported Sunday after Bell's firing.

Schumaker was considered several times throughout the season as a replacement for Marmol on the Cardinals as St. Louis struggled to stay in the race for the playoffs.

The 44-year-old played eight of eleven seasons in the Major League with the Cardinals, where he was part of the wonderful 2011 World Series winning squad.

Since retiring as a player with the Reds in 2015, Schumaker was named NL Manager of the Year with the Marlins in 2023. Despite his success with Miami last season, the former St. Louis second baseman found a way to get released from his 2025 contract and will become a free agent this winter.

The Reds are now considered the most likely candidates to hire Schumaker as their next manager. Will the Cardinals take the step of firing Marmol and getting involved in the battle for a new captain?

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