The Chicago White Sox have officially appointed Will Venable, a coach from the Texas Rangers, as their new manager, as reported by Scott Merkin of MLB.com.
Turning 42 this week, Venable brings a wealth of experience, having played nine seasons in the majors from 2008 to 2016, and most recently serving as the associate manager for the Rangers under Bruce Bochy.
Other candidates for the position included Donnie Ecker, Texas’ bench coach, along with Clayton McCullough from the Dodgers, Padres assistant A.J. Ellis, and George Lombard, who was part of the White Sox’s interim management during the season.
Bailey Orr/Texas Rangers/Getty Images
Venable steps into a challenging situation on the South Side, following a dismal 121-loss season for the White Sox in 2024. The team opted to release manager Pedro Grifol midseason, putting Grady Sizemore in charge temporarily, and traded away key players during the season.
Looking ahead, the team’s projected payroll is below $70 million for 2025, with little expectation of new signings to strengthen the roster. This situation is compounded by owner Jerry Reinsdorf’s exploration of a potential sale, which often leads to cost-cutting measures.
In a tough American League Central, with three teams—the Tigers, Guardians, and Royals—making postseason appearances, the White Sox face an uphill battle for improvement.
On the bright side, Venable’s starting point for success is relatively low given the team’s recent performance.
Venable’s coaching career began with the Chicago Cubs in 2017 as a special assistant, later moving through various roles before joining the Red Sox as a bench coach. His big achievement came in 2023, where he won a World Series title as the associate manager of the Rangers.