White Sox Make Sweeping Changes Amidst Disastrous Season
In a season marked by unprecedented lows, the Chicago White Sox have dismissed manager Pedro Grifol, concluding his tenure with a 28-89 record in the 2024 season. This move is part of a broader shakeup within the organization as they grapple with one of the worst records in Major League Baseball history.
The White Sox have struggled throughout the year, culminating in setting a new franchise record with two lengthy losing streaks. The first was a 14-game drought spanning from May 22 to June 6. The second, even more devastating, stretched for 21 games before it was finally broken. The team is now on pace to lose over 120 games, a historic low for the once-proud franchise.
Pedro Grifol’s departure comes after a difficult two-year tenure with the team. Hired before the 2023 season, Grifol led the White Sox to a dismal 89-190 record, yielding a .319 winning percentage. Despite the challenges, the organization acknowledged the effort and professionalism he and his staff brought to their roles daily.
"As we all recognize, our team's performance this season has been disappointing on many levels," said Chris Getz, the White Sox general manager. "Despite the on-field struggles and lack of success, we appreciate the effort and professionalism Pedro and the staff brought to the ballpark every day. These two seasons have been very challenging. Unfortunately, the results were not there, and a change is necessary as we look to our future and the development of a new energy around the team."
In addition to Grifol, the White Sox also relieved bench coach Charlie Montoyo, third base coach Eddie Rodriguez, and assistant hitting coach Mike Tosar of their duties. Grady Sizemore has been appointed the interim manager for the remainder of the 2024 season. The team has announced they will immediately begin the search for a new permanent manager, with a decision expected after the season concludes.
Under Grifol’s leadership, the White Sox experienced a noticeable decline in performance each year. The team concluded the 2022 season with a .500 record of 81-81. However, they plummeted to a 61-101 record in 2023, setting the stage for this year’s catastrophic performance.
The managerial change is the latest move by Getz, who took over as general manager and began reshaping the roster last offseason. Midway through a season fraught with difficulties, the team attempted to alter their trajectory by trading Erick Fedde, Michael Kopech, and Tommy Pham at the July 30 trade deadline. These changes, however, have yet to yield significant improvements in on-field outcomes.
Grifol’s approach and commitment to the game were never in question. "I think I am. I really do. And I think managing is motivating people to play and work hard every single day," Grifol said. "I think managing is preparing and making good decisions and serving people and including people. It's not up for me to decide. I don't make decisions on whether I'm a good manager or not. That's for other people to decide."
The search for a new manager will be vital for the White Sox's future as they aim to turn around their fortunes and restore competitiveness. Grady Sizemore’s tenure as interim manager will provide some continuity during this transitional phase. Sizemore, a former MLB All-Star, brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective that could help stabilize the team in the short term.
The changes in the coaching staff reflect broader ambitions to rebuild the team’s culture and performance. As the organization steps into this new chapter, the hope is that these significant changes will ignite a resurgence, bringing back the competitive spirit that the fans have long yearned for.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the White Sox front office and their decisions moving forward. Residents of Chicago and White Sox fans everywhere are hopeful that the team can emerge from these trying times stronger and more unified, aiming to reclaim their position within the upper echelons of Major League Baseball.