Highest-Paid MLB Managers in 2021

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By , Audacy

MLB players make a lot of money. If you follow the sport even casually, surely this sentiment is familiar.

But how about MLB managers? The short answer is, they often don’t earn nearly as much as the players they coach.

Entry-level skippers reel in less than $1 million per year, and even the most handsomely compensated field generals don’t come close to cracking eight figures.

Here’s a look at the highest paid MLB managers and their salaries entering the 2021 campaign, given the best available information.

Terry Francona looks on from the Indians' dugout
Photo credit Getty Images

Terry Francona, Cleveland Indians

2021 Salary: est. $4.2 million

Terry Francona has won a trio of American League pennants and a pair of World Series trophies during his two-decade-plus managerial career.

His two titles came with the Boston Red Sox, including the Curse-of-the-Bambino-busting run in 2004.

He narrowly missed a third championship in 2016 with Cleveland, the club that still employs him as the highest paid manager in MLB.

Joe Maddon talks in the Angels dugout.
Photo credit Getty Images

Joe Maddon, Los Angeles Angels

2021 Salary: est. $4 million

Joe Maddon was at the helm when the Chicago Cubs ended the most infamous title drought in pro sports history in 2016. Prior to that, he led the Tampa Bay Rays to a run of contention, including a pennant in 2008.

Now, Maddon manages the Los Angeles Angels.

The Halos haven’t won a postseason game while employing center fielder Mike Trout, the best baseball player on the planet. In his second year on the dugout’s top step in Anaheim, Maddon must reverse that trend.

Joe Girardi celebrates a Phillies win.
Photo credit Getty Images

Joe Girardi, Philadelphia Phillies

2021 Salary: est. $3.6 million
After a run of success with the New York Yankees, Joe Girardi is trying to replicate his results with the Philadelphia Phillies.

He’s got Bryce Harper ensconced in the outfield and All-Star catcher J.T. Realmuto returning via free agency, along with a bullpen and overall roster revamp engineered by new President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski.

Now, it’s up to Girardi and the Phils to make the dance and advance.

Dave Martinez during a Nationals game.
Photo credit Getty Images

Dave Martinez, Washington Nationals

2021 Salary: est. $2.5 million
After winning it all in 2019, Dave Martinez and the Washington Nationals dropped to last place in the NL East in 2020.

Healthy seasons from co-aces Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg and the continued emergence of outfielder Juan Soto at the head of the offense should be enough to keep Martinez, and the Nats, relevant at least.

Bob Melvin in the A's dugout.
Photo credit Getty Images

Bob Melvin, Oakland Athletics

2021 Salary: est. $2.5 million

In his nine full seasons as skipper of the Oakland Athletics, Bob Melvin has led the East Bay contingent to a winning record six times.

In four of those campaigns, they’ve won 94 or more games.

For a small-market squad that prides itself on a “Moneyball” approach (aka getting optimum output for minimum expenditure), the A’s have shown a willingness to pay Melvin what it takes.

Don Mattingly inside the Marlins dugout.
Photo credit Getty Images

Don Mattingly, Miami Marlins

2021 Salary: est. $2.4 million

The Miami Marlins snuck into the 2020 postseason thanks in part to the truncated season and the expanded playoff format.

Even still, the Fish exceeded expectations. And much of the credit goes to their skipper.

Don Mattingly lived up to his nickname (“Donnie Ballgame”), and the Marlins stormed the party early. Will they be a factor again in 2021 in a crowded division? Stay tuned.

Rockies manager Bud Black tosses batting practice.
Photo credit Getty Images

Bud Black, Colorado Rockies

2021 Salary: est. $1.5 million

The Colorado Rockies are headed for a rebuild after trading franchise third baseman Nolan Arenado to the St. Louis Cardinals during the offseason. Shortstop Trevor Story, entering a contract year, could be next.

For the moment, Bud Black retains the manager’s seat. How long will he keep it as the Rockies lurch into a protracted period of losing?

We shall see.

Brewers manager Craig Counsell looks on from the dugout.
Photo credit Getty Images

Craig Counsell, Milwaukee Brewers

2021 Salary: est. $1.5 million

In six seasons as manager of the Milwaukee Brewers, Craig Counsell has guided the Brew Crew to a 434-412 record and finished second in National League Manager of the Year balloting in 2018 and 2019.

In the shortened 2020 season, he helped them slip into the playoffs.

This year, the former big league infielder will try to guide Milwaukee to the top of a wide-open NL Central.

A.J. Hinch does some infield work with the Tigers
Photo credit USA Today

A.J. Hinch, Detroit Tigers

2021 Salary: est. $1.2 million

A.J. Hinch left his last managerial gig with the Houston Astros under a cloud of sign-stealing shame.

Now he’s back with the rebuilding Detroit Tigers.

Hinch went 481-329 as the Astros’ manager, winning a pair of AL pennants and a World Series.

As Detroit moves toward relevance, their skipper will try to overcome the stigma that currently tarnishes his legacy.

Dave Roberts celebrates the Dodgers winning the World Series
Photo credit Getty Images

Dave Roberts, Los Angeles Dodgers

2021 Salary: est. $1.15 million

Dave Roberts and the Los Angeles Dodgers got over the hump in 2020.

Short schedule be darned, the Dodgers won their first title since 1988. And Roberts, who had previously guided the club to a pair of pennants but had fallen shy of the big prize, proved he was up to the ultimate October task.

Now, with a talent-laden roster that includes NL Cy Young Award winner Trevor Bauer, Roberts and L.A. will try to become the first repeat MLB champs since the New York Yankees in 2000.

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