It’s now official: Pedro Grifol is becoming the 42nd manager in the history of the Chicago White Sox.
After rebuilding for more than a decade after their last playoff appearance in 2008, the pale hose returned to the postseason in 2020 and 2021 with an explosive offensive core of Eloy Jimenez, Jose Abreu, Luis Robert, Yoan Moncada, Tim Anderson and others.
The 2022 campaign, however, was extremely disappointing, as they finished 81-81 under Tony La Russa.
La Russa announced in September that he wasn’t going to return in 2023, opening the field for the Sox to look for a new skipper.
After a thorough search that includes several high-profile interviews, they decided to hire Grifol.
Grifol signed his contract and had his first contact with the media as the White Sox’s manager on Thursday.
He is thrilled for his first crack at managing an MLB team.
“‘I’m extremely proud and honored to wear this uniform’ – Pedro Grifol,” White Sox Talk tweeted with a fragment of his opening remarks.
"I'm extremely proud and honored to wear this uniform" – Pedro Grifol 🖤 pic.twitter.com/nNyNTsnXjL
— White Sox Talk (@NBCSWhiteSox) November 3, 2022
An Experienced Coach With His First Managerial Shot
Grifol comes from the Kansas City Royals organization: he had been their bench coach since 2020.
Before that, he worked as a catching instructor and as an assistant hitting coach, not to mention working with the minor leagues.
He had been with the Royals since 2013, and his arrival coincided with the franchise’s first season with a positive record in 10 years.
He was a part of the pennant-winning 2014 and 2015 teams, one of which won the World Series.
After watching and learning for years, Grifol is ready for his first MLB managerial opportunity.
His first task will be returning the White Sox to the postseason.
It won’t be easy, but he has a competitive roster in place.
NEXT: The White Sox Make It Official With Pedro Grifol