Will Venable will return to Chicago in 2025, albeit with a different team and in a new role. Venable, who spent time in the front office and the coaching staff of the Cubs several years ago, was officially confirmed as the White Sox’s new manager on October 31. The move comes after a season that saw the Sox go through two managers and lose a league-worst 121 games.
Will Venable had an nine-year MLB playing career, eight of those which were spent with the Padres. The 42-year-old made it to the Majors for his debut in 2008, three years after he was drafted in the seventh round out of Princeton.
His career season came in 2013, when Venable hit 22 home runs for San Diego.
Before he became the White Sox’s newest manager, Venable was the Rangers’ associate manager under Bruce Bochy in 2023-24. He was a part of the Rangers‘ World Series championship team from a year ago.
GM Chris Getz stated Venable is a “great communicator” and look to build a culture of accountability.
It’s not the only departure the Rangers sustained this offseason, as far as their staff is concerned. Hitting coach Tim Hyers, who helped the Rangers in 2023 and the Red Sox in 2018 win in that role, will go to Atlanta to replace Kevin Seitzer. Seitzer was the Braves’ hitting coach up until the end of the 2024 season.
Venable replaces interim manager Grady Sizemore, who went 13-32 (.289) as White Sox manager after he replaced Pedro Grifol. Grifol went 28-89 (.239) before Chicago fired him in August.
It’s the second managerial hire of the winter. Earlier in the offseason, the Reds hired Terry Francona, who didn’t manage in 2024 after a lengthy stint with the Indians/Guardians, to replace David Bell.
The Marlins’ opening is still vacant. Skip Schumacher left after the 2024 season.