Former Dodgers Outfielder Hired to Be Next Manager of White Sox
The Chicago White Sox will hire former Dodgers outfielder Will Venable as their new manager for next season. ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported the news via X on Tuesday.
Venable, who turned 42 years old on Tuesday, will be the 44th manager of in the White Sox’s franchise history.
After retiring in 2016, Venable remained in baseball as he became a special assistant for the Chicago Cubs in 2017. He transitioned to a base coach for the team from 2018-20. Then, he became the bench coach for the Boston Red Sox in 2021. Most recently, he was the Texas Rangers’ associate manager alongside Bruce Bochy for two seasons.
Venable will replace Grady Sizemore, who served as the team’s interim manager. Although Sizemore was a candidate for the permanent position, the franchise ultimately chose Venable.
The last four White Sox managers have each held the position for only one consecutive season or less. Peter Grifol, who managed this season, was fired in August after breaking the modern-day record with 121 losses.
The San Diego Padres drafted Venable as the No. 218 overall pick in the seventh round of the 2005 MLB draft. After making his MLB debut on Aug. 29, 2008, Venable played nine seasons in the Major Leagues. In 2013, the Padres named Venable their MVP. He earned the award for being the eighth player in franchise history to record 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases in a single season.
The Greenbrae, California native spent seven and a half seasons with the Padres. Then, San Diego traded Venable to the Texas Rangers in exchange for catcher Marcus Greene Jr. and “a player to be named later”.
In 2016, the Dodgers signed Venable as a free agent. Venable finished his career with the Dodgers but spent most of the season in the minor leagues. Los Angeles designated Venable for assignment twice, allowing him to make just 12 MLB appearances.
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
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