The Chicago White Sox have hired Will Venable as their new manager. Grady Sizemore had served 45 games as interim manager, finishing out the 2024 season after Pedro Grifol had been let go amid a campaign of futility. The 42-year-old Venable played nine seasons in the majors and was with the Rangers as associate manager under Bruce Bochy prior to joining Chicago. The Sox are coming off a record-setting 121-loss season in 2024, so Venable has an uphill challenge in front of him to get the team winning consistently again.
Texas Rangers associate manager Will Venable declined the New York Mets' request for their managerial opening due to his comfort in his current situation. As the Mets look to replace Buck Showalter, new president of baseball operations David Stearns said he will consider a large pool of candidates, including those with no previous MLB managerial experience such as Venable. MLB officials believe it's far from a slam dunk that Stearns is just biding his time and will ultimately hire Brewers skipper Craig Counsell, whose contract expires after the World Series. Venable played nine seasons in the big leagues and has served as an assistant coach for the Cubs, Red Sox and Rangers.
