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The Chicago White Sox have concluded their crucial search for a new manager, and fans will not be surprised by the chosen candidate. They are hiring former outfielder and Texas Rangers associate manager Will Venable to be their skipper, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan.
It was reported earlier in the week that he was firmly on Chicago's radar. When ex-Miami Marlins Skip Schumaker was ruled out as a possibility shortly after, it seemed like only a matter of time before the White Sox would officially welcome in Venable.
Fresh off a historically abysmal season, the ailing franchise is hoping that a man who has learned from some of the most well-respected people in the game today can bring about desperately needed change. Venable's first objective will be to inject energy into a clubhouse that has been beaten down over the last couple of years.
The White Sox must immediately undergo a cultural renovation. It will probably not be completed in 2025, but this team has to start inspiring optimism and intrigue once again. A strong leader can still figure out how to give an inferior group purpose. Venable's lauded grasp of the modern game may not be extremely useful at the onset, given Chicago's roster quality, so his primary focus should be building club chemistry and morale.
Venable has already played a role in that process during his coaching career.
Will Venable has made quite an impression in a short amount of time
The 2005 seventh-round draft pick served as a special assistant under legendary general manager Theo Epstein, a first and third base coach for the Chicago Cubs, a bench coach for the Boston Red Sox and the aforementioned right-hand man of Texas Rangers manager Bruce Bochy for the last two years. He has a World Series ring for his contributions to the 2023 title team. That ultimate prize is not currently attainable in his new post.
But maybe the Greenbrae, California native can help lay the foundation for a baseball product that can evoke feelings of pride and jubilation. Although there are a couple of organizational factors that will make the implementation of such a blueprint challenging, Venable seems to be a quick learner and adaptable baseball guy. He has risen up the ranks and will now attempt to help lift the White Sox from the abyss.
It is a brutally demanding job, but succeeding in the South Side would quickly allow Will Venable to make a name for himself as a big-league manager. All one can say is Godspeed.
