Chicago White Sox hire Will Venable as new manager to lead team's comeback journey: Reports
The Chicago White Sox, coming off posting the most losses in MLB history since 1901, have reportedly brought in Texas Rangers associate manager Will Venable as their new manager.
The White Sox never looked like a team that could muster up wins in 2024. They started off by winning just three of their first 25 games under Pedro Grifol. They then suffered a franchise record 14 straight losses before a American League record-equalling 21-loss streak. The team's 121 losses broke the previous mark for most losses since 1900 recorded by the 1962 New York Mets.
The last 32 losses came after Grifol was fired from his position and Grady Sizemore was named the interim boss. Sizemore was one of the candidates who were considered, but general manager Chris Getz decided to go with Venable.
Will Venable, who celebrated his 42nd birthday on Tuesday, had applied for the managerial position that eventually went to Grifol in 2023. Before that, he had served as the bench coach for the Boston Red Sox. Last season, under Bruce Bochy at Texas, he won the World Series.
The White Sox are yet to make a formal announcement, but sources close to the MLB have confirmed the news.
Work cut out for Will Venable to turn the tide for White Sox
Will Venable will have a lot on his plate right from the start if he has to rescue the White Sox's sinking ship. Getz had indicated that the team won't be keen on spending big to improve the roster. He's focussed on a long-term rebuild, which has its own hurdles.
While they have just the 11th best farm-system in the league, Chicago also won't benefit from the Draft, as they gained a top 5 pick last year, and big market clubs don't receive back to back top 10 picks. While some big names like Garret Crochet might make way for future prospects, short term resilience might not be possible.
For the next few years, the goal will be to avoid humiliating records and improve while creating fresh franchise faces.