The Miami Marlins hired St. Louis Cardinals bench coach Skip Schumaker to be their new manager on Tuesday.

Schumaker, 42, replaces Don Mattingly, who stepped down as Marlins skipper after seven seasons.

“I’m very excited and grateful that Bruce (Sherman, chairman and principal owner), Kim (Ng, general manager), and the Marlins organization have given me an opportunity to manage a very talented team,” Schumaker said. “Delivering a winning, sustainable culture with the expectation of getting into the postseason is the next step for this organization and South Florida — and I can’t wait to get started.”

Schumaker beat out reported finalists Joe Espada and Matt Quatraro. Espada is bench coach of the Houston Astros and Quatraro serves in a similar role for the Tampa Bay Rays.

Schumaker just completed his first season as Oliver Marmol’s right-hand man on the Cardinals bench. Schumaker previously was a coach for the San Diego Padres from 2018-21.

Schumaker retired in 2016 after an 11-year career as a player, eight of those with the Cardinals. He finished his playing days with a .278 average, 28 home runs and 416 runs. He won a World Series with St. Louis in 2011.

“Skip has a long list of distinguished accomplishments as both a player and a coach that showcase the remarkable individual he is as well as the high level of credibility and leadership he will bring to the dugout and the Marlins organization,” Sherman said. “He has an incredible passion and winning spirit that will set the course for the Marlins franchise.”

Schumaker played 561 games in the outfield and 487 games as a second baseman for the Cardinals (2005-12), Los Angeles Dodgers (2013) and Cincinnati Reds (2014-15).

Mattingly went 443-587 as Marlins skipper. Mattingly and the Marlins mutually agreed that 2022 would be his last. His contract expired at the end of the season.

–Field Level Media