The Chicago White Sox are reportedly hiring Pedro Grifol as their new manager, according to several reports surfacing on Tuesday.
The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal confirmed the news and discussed more details about the White Sox’s coaches.
“Sources confirm: Royals bench coach Pedro Grifol expected to be named next White Sox manager. A number of White Sox coaches not being asked back. Pitching coach Ethan Katz expected to return. First on Grifol: @Buster_ESPN,” Rosenthal tweeted.
Sources confirm: Royals bench coach Pedro Grifol expected to be named next White Sox manager. A number of White Sox coaches not being asked back. Pitching coach Ethan Katz expected to return. First on Grifol: @Buster_ESPN
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 1, 2022
Former manager Tony La Russa announced in September he wasn’t going to return for the 2023 season.
Chicago interviewed several potential candidates, including Miguel Cairo (who acted as the manager for a few days late in the season when La Russa was out for medical reasons), former World Series champion Ozzie Guillen and others.
A Fresh Voice
After a couple of years with the old-fashioned La Russa, the White Sox opted for a fresh voice to lead the dugout.
Chicago was expected to cruise and take the AL Central division this year, but instead finished with an 81-81 record, 11 games behind the Cleveland Guardians.
The front office believes that hiring Grifol, who had been the Kansas City Royals bench coach for a while, is the move that is needed to turn the franchise around.
“I think getting a new, younger manager in is only going to help the White Sox young players. Like this move,” Eric Cross tweeted.
I think getting a new, younger manager in is only going to help the White Sox young players. Like this move. https://t.co/4RTAyKfDoD
— Eric Cross (@EricCross04) November 1, 2022
Vinnie Parise has a few questions, but likes the move.
“Why didn’t Kansas City just hire Pedro Grifol if he was so good? They have new management that hired someone from Tampa Bay who they also had ties to. They went in a different direction. So did the Chicago. I like this hire as of right now. Instant upgrade, if anything,” he tweeted.
Why didn’t Kansas City just hire Pedro Grifol if he was so good?
They have new management that hired someone from Tampa Bay who they also had ties to.
They went in a different direction. So did the Chicago.
I like this hire as of right now. Instant upgrade, if anything.
— Vinnie Parise (@VinnieParise) November 1, 2022
At times, it seems like the game had modernized a bit too much for La Russa, who didn’t have many solutions.
Some fans were rough on him:
Pedro Grifol has not been charged with any DUIs. He’s been in a dugout this century.
He’s just some guy. And honestly, that’s all you really want in a manager. Some guy who will probably know the rules and won’t kill the vibes.
— DeMar DeRozan Enjoyer (@TheTyronePalmer) November 1, 2022
Grifol should bring ample baseball knowledge, having played the sport for years and then having acted as a coach.
NEXT: MLB Insider Reveals The Next White Sox Manager