5 possible candidates to replace Pedro Grifol at White Sox hot seat following disastrous season ft. David Ross, Skip Schumaker and more
The Chicago White Sox are the worst team in the majors this season, so manager Pedro Grifol may be at the end of his tenure. According to Ken Rosenthal and multiple reports, Grifol's days seem to be numbered following a disastrous start to the season.
The White Sox are 27–84 (.243), sweeping the floor in the majors. The next worst record in the American League is that of the Oakland Athletics, who are 45-65 (.409).
Moreover, in the majors, the Colorado Rockies sit next to them with 40-70 (.364). The difference between the teams is huge, so Grifol, who was hired last year, may take the fall.
With rumors circulating regarding his possible departure, let's take a look at five candidates who could replace him.
#5 Walt Weiss
The current bench coach of the Atlanta Braves brings experience with him and is also seen as a potential replacement for Brian Snitker when the Braves manager retires or goes for other opportunities.
Weiss managed the Colorado Rockies between 2013 and 2016 and led them to a 283-365 overall record. It doesn't seem enticing, but keep in mind that the Rockies didn't have much on their roster to defeat NL West giants like the LA Dodgers and the San Francisco Giants at the time.
He's a highly acclaimed individual with experience of winning the World Series both as a player (1989) and as a coach (2021).
#4 Clayton McCullough
During the offseason, the Dodgers first base coach was among the contenders to take the Cleveland Guardians managerial gig. In the past as well, he has been interviewed by some organizations, including the New York Mets and the Kansas City Royals.
As a manager, he served in the minors for the Toronto Blue Jays organization from 2007 to 2014. Although he doesn't boast prior MLB managerial experience, his association with top-market teams like the Dodgers could help him navigate the White Sox if he's hired as a manager.
#3 Rodney Linares
The current Tampa Bay Rays bench coach oversaw the development of many current and former Astros stars, like Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman, Carlos Correa, J. D. Martinez and George Springer, when they were in the minors.
The Rays hired him as their third base coach in Nov. 2018 and subsequently promoted him to bench coach following the exit of Matt Quatraro, who went to manage the Kansas City Royals.
With more than 12 years of managing experience in the Astros system, he's perfect for the Chicago White Sox, who will have multiple prospects coming in thanks to trade and lottery draft picks.
#2 Skip Schumaker
According to Bob Nightengale, one of the candidates reportedly leading the race to manage the White Sox should the club part ways with Pedro Grifol could be the Miami Marlins' current coach, Skip Schumaker.
Schumaker led the Marlins in the postseason in 2023 with an 84-78 record, also winning the NL Manager of the Year. His coaching credentials include stints with the San Diego Padres (2018–2021) and the St. Louis Cardinals (2022).
As a player, Schumaker saw success as well, helping the Cardinals win the World Series in 2011. His young age should help him connect well with a slew of prospects at his disposal with the White Sox. As he did with the Marlins, he could turn the franchise into a postseason team if given a chance.
#1 David Ross
After leading the Chicago Cubs in the last four seasons, the two-time World Series champion fell out of favor with the Cubs management, who went on to sign Craig Counsell ahead of this season.
Ross is not active in any position in the majors currently but would like to come back into the majors as a manager. He had immense experience as a player, playing from 2002 until 2016. His managerial record stands at 262-284.
A return to Chicago, albeit for the White Sox instead of the Cubs, could be a good way to restart his young managerial career.