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Jeff Passan
ESPN
- ESPN MLB insider
Author of “The Arm: Inside the Billion-Dollar Mystery of the Most Valuable Commodity in Sports”
The Chicago White Sox are set to hire Will Venable, a coach from the Texas Rangers, as their new manager, according to sources who spoke with ESPN on Tuesday evening.
Venable, aged 42, had a nine-year Major League Baseball career before shifting to a front-office role as a special assistant with the Chicago Cubs in 2017. He then served as a base coach for the Cubs from 2018 to 2020. In 2021, he was the bench coach for the Boston Red Sox before joining the Rangers, where he has worked as the associate manager alongside Bruce Bochy for the last two seasons.
Most of Venable’s playing days occurred with the San Diego Padres until he was traded to the Rangers in 2015. He briefly played for the Dodgers in 2016 before hanging up his cleats.
Across 967 games, Venable recorded a batting average of .249 with 81 career home runs, playing primarily as an outfielder.
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He will succeed interim manager Grady Sizemore, who also was in contention for the permanent position. The team dismissed former manager Pedro Grifol in August following a historic season that culminated in 121 losses.
Since winning the division in 2021, the White Sox have faced a consistent decline. The disastrous 101-loss season in 2022 resulted in the departures of former general manager Rick Hahn and team president Kenny Williams, leading long-time owner Jerry Reinsdorf to appoint former White Sox player Chris Getz as the leader of the baseball operations department.
In the past year, Getz has revamped the front office and now brings in his first manager, a well-respected figure within the players‘ community and coaching ranks.
Venable will mark the 42nd manager in the franchise’s history. He was selected from a lengthy list of candidates that included Guardians bench coach Craig Albernaz, Padres special assistant A.J. Ellis, Dodgers first-base coach Clayton McCollough, and Sizemore, who garnered respect from players during his brief interim role.
MLB.com was the first to report on Venable’s imminent hiring, with an official announcement anticipated before the general manager meetings begin next Tuesday.
Chicago White Sox Name Will Venable as New Manager Following Disappointing Season
Overview of the Chicago White Sox’s 2023 Season
The Chicago White Sox faced a challenging 2023 Major League Baseball (MLB) season, marked by subpar performance and unmet expectations. After a season of turmoil, the team decided to make a significant change at the managerial position. Enter Will Venable, a name that has garnered attention and respect in baseball circles, now stepping into the role of head coach for the White Sox. This article will explore the details surrounding Venable’s hiring, the reasons behind the change, and what fans can expect moving forward.
Will Venable: Background and Experience
Will Venable, a former MLB player and respected coach, brings a wealth of experience to the Chicago White Sox. His career in baseball started as an outfielder for the San Diego Padres, where he played from 2008 to 2014. Following his playing career, Venable transitioned into coaching, serving as an assistant coach for the Texas Rangers and later working as their bench coach.
Venable’s coaching philosophy emphasizes player development, strategic thinking, and fostering a positive team culture. His ability to connect with players and cultivate talent has made him a sought-after figure in the league.
The Decision to Hire Will Venable
After the White Sox’s disappointing finish to the 2023 season, which saw them struggle both offensively and defensively, the decision to part ways with the previous manager was not taken lightly. The organization felt a fresh perspective was necessary to revitalize the team’s performance.
Key factors that contributed to the White Sox’s decision to hire Will Venable include:
- Player Development: Venable’s track record in developing young players is highly regarded, making him an ideal candidate to nurture the White Sox’s promising talents.
- Strategic Approach: His experience analyzing game strategies and making in-game adjustments can lead to enhanced team performance.
- Team Culture: Venable is known for his positive and approachable demeanor, which is essential for building a cohesive team environment.
The White Sox’s Needs Moving Forward
The White Sox are at a crossroads, needing to address several key areas to return to competitiveness in the American League Central. Some of the pressing needs include:
- Strengthening the Pitching Staff: The White Sox struggled with consistency on the mound. Improving pitching performance will be a priority for Venable.
- Enhancing Offensive Production: The team’s batting average was below league standards. A focused approach to hitting will be critical for improvement.
- Defensive Solidarity: Defensive lapses plagued the team throughout the season, highlighting the need for fundamental improvements.
What Will Venable Brings to the White Sox
Venable’s hiring brings several potential advantages to the Chicago White Sox, including:
- Fresh Perspective: His insights and innovative strategies can infuse new life into the team’s gameplay.
- Experience with Young Talent: Having successfully mentored younger players in previous roles, he can help the White Sox’s prospects reach their potential.
- Strong Communication Skills: Venable’s ability to communicate effectively with players will help in building trust and boosting morale.
Case Studies: Successful Managerial Changes in MLB History
Examining previous instances where teams experienced managerial changes can provide insight into the potential impact of Venable’s hiring:
Examples of Successful Transitions
| Team | Old Manager | New Manager | Season Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Cubs | Joe Maddon | David Ross | From 84 wins to 92 wins |
| San Francisco Giants | Bruce Bochy | Gabe Kapler | From 77 wins to 107 wins |
| New York Yankees | Joe Girardi | Aaron Boone | From 91 wins to 100 wins |
These case studies illustrate how a change in managerial leadership can lead to significant improvements in team performance, a hopeful sign for White Sox fans.
Fans’ Reactions to Will Venable’s Appointment
The announcement of Will Venable as the new manager has elicited a range of reactions from White Sox fans and analysts alike:
- Optimism: Many fans are excited about the potential for innovative strategies and a focus on player development.
- Support from Players: Current players have expressed support for Venable, indicating a positive reception among the team.
- Expectations: While hope is high, fans are also looking for tangible results in the upcoming season.
Practical Tips for White Sox Fans
As the White Sox embark on this new chapter with Will Venable at the helm, here are a few tips for fans to stay engaged:
- Follow Team News: Keep up with the latest updates on team strategies and player performances through official White Sox channels.
- Attend Games: Show your support by attending games and creating a lively home atmosphere.
- Engage on Social Media: Connect with fellow fans and participate in discussions surrounding the team’s progress on platforms like Twitter and Facebook.
Conclusion
With Will Venable now leading the Chicago White Sox, the team is poised for a potential resurgence following a disappointing 2023 season. His experience, combined with a fresh approach to coaching, could be exactly what the White Sox need to get back into contention in the American League. Fans have much to look forward to as they rally behind their new manager and hope for a turnaround in the upcoming season.
