Dave Martinez Favored to Be 1st MLB Manager Fired in 2019

• The Nationals struggled to an 82-80 record in 2018 under the guidance of Dave Martinez
• Martinez is under high pressure as Washington is favored to win the NL East
• Don Mattingly is on the bubble entering a contract season at the helm of the rebuilding Marlins 

After leading the Washington Nationals to their worst regular-season record since 2011 in his debut as a Major League manager last season, Dave Martinez enters the 2019 MLB campaign pegged as the favorite to be the first manager to be fired as a +700 wager.

Odds to Be the 1st MLB Manager Fired or to Resign

* Odds taken 03/27/19. 

Nationals Took Step Back in 2018

The Nationals failed to recover after opening the 2018 campaign with a disappointing 11-16 run. They finished the season with a middling 82-80 record and out of first place in the NL East standings for the first time since 2015.

The club parted ways with Bryce Harper, who departed for the division rival Philadelphia Phillies during the offseason.

https://twitter.com/canilive1996/status/1048377023029301250

However, the Nationals must avoid a repeat of last season’s slow start if Martinez is to stay off the hot seat. Washington will clash with divisional rivals in 14 of their first 20 regular-season outings, including five dates with the Phillies, and the team’s performance in divisional play is likely to set the tone for the rest of the season, as well as impact the fate of Martinez.

Washington will clash with divisional rivals in 14 of their first 20 regular-season outings, including five dates with the Phillies.

Early-season injuries to Ryan Zimmerman and Adam Eaton did little to help the cause of Martinez in his managerial debut. Both Zimmerman and Eaton are expected to be healthy and in the lineup when the team hosts the New York Mets as -125 chalk in Thursday afternoon’s home opener.

Offseason Moves, Emergence of Top Prospects Raising Expectations in Washington

Harper’s departure has also opened the door for top prospects Victor Robles and Juan Soto to step into starting roles in the outfield. And with a starting rotation bolstered by the addition of Patrick Corbin and Anibal Sanchez, the Nationals return to action amid high expectations, and as +150 favorites to return to their familiar perch atop the NL East standings.

Ladies and gentlemen, your 2019 Washington Nationals!

🔗 // https://t.co/WQ6XS9r4N1#OpeningDay // #OnePursuit pic.twitter.com/FYipDAnlPo

— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) March 27, 2019

But with high expectations, comes massive pressure for Martinez, who was memorably welcomed to his job with a clear mission from Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo, who stated, “Winning a lot of regular season games and winning divisions is not enough. Our goal is to win a world championship.”

Mattingly, Green, Callaway Join Martinez as Top Candidates to Be 1st Fired

Martinez is not the only manager expected to be on a short leash this season. Miami Marlins bench boss Don Mattingly closely trails Martinez on the odds to be the first manager fired, joining San Diego Padres manager Andy Green and Mickey Callaway of the Mets at +900.

Mattingly enters the final season of a four-year contract in Miami with a lot to prove.

Mattingly enters the final season of a four-year contract in Miami with a lot to prove after guiding the Marlins to a 63-98 record and a last-place overall finish in the NL last season. Of course, it is tough to saddle Mattingly with all the blame after the Marlins shipped out Giancarlo Stanton and Christian Yelich following the 2017 season.

"Win a game today, win a series and march on."@Marlins skipper Don Mattingly discusses his goals for 2019 with @LaurenShehadi and @AlLeiter22. #30Clubs30Days #MarlinsST pic.twitter.com/LAp3uaVUm9

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) March 13, 2019

The former Yankee slugger has also proven popular with fans in South Florida. But with the Marlins knee-deep in a youth kick, and sporting strong -135 odds of falling short of last season’s 63-win total, it remains unclear whether Mattingly is viewed as the guy to lead the club long-term by an unpredictable front office that has gained a reputation for making sudden and sometimes puzzling personnel moves.

That leaves Mattingly as a high-value bet to be the first MLB manager fired this season.

Pick: Don Mattingly (+900)