CHICAGO — The Chicago White Sox have officially appointed Will Venable as their new major league manager, a significant challenge given the team’s recent struggles, including setting a modern major league record for losses in a single season. The announcement was made shortly after the conclusion of the World Series on Thursday.
Venable expressed enthusiasm about his new role, stating, “This is a tremendous opportunity with a White Sox organization that is implementing positive changes and establishing a robust foundation for future success. I am thrilled to play a part in the journey to restore the type of baseball that White Sox fans are accustomed to seeing.”
The 42-year-old Venable steps into the position previously held by Pedro Grifol, who was dismissed during the season in August. Under interim manager Grady Sizemore, the team concluded the season with a dismal record of 41 wins and 121 losses.
Prior to this role, Venable worked as an associate manager for the Texas Rangers over the past two years, where he managed daily operations and focused on outfield instruction. His efforts contributed to the Rangers’ success as they clinched the World Series title in 2023.
Venable emphasized his priorities for the team, saying, “We want dedicated players who show up ready to put in the effort each day, as well as intelligent players who grasp the subtleties of the game. There is a deep-rooted tradition here, and our fan base deserves a winning team. I’m eager to contribute in any way I can.”
Having pursued both baseball and basketball while studying anthropology at Princeton, Venable was an all-Ivy League athlete in both sports. He was selected in the seventh round of the 2005 MLB draft by the San Diego Padres. Over a nine-year major league career, he played for the Padres, Texas Rangers, and Los Angeles Dodgers, recording a batting average of .249 with 81 home runs, 307 runs batted in, and 135 stolen bases across 967 games.
Following his playing days, Venable joined the Chicago Cubs’ front office in 2017, where he initially acted as a special assistant to baseball operations. He later served on the Cubs’ major league staff for three years, including two years as first base coach and one year as third base coach. Additionally, he held the position of bench coach under Red Sox manager Alex Cora for two years prior to his time with the Rangers.
White Sox general manager Chris Getz praised Venable, stating, “Will is highly regarded as one of the top managerial candidates in baseball, and we are thrilled to welcome him to our organization as our new manager. His reputation as a successful player, executive, coach, and associate manager is well-earned and respected throughout the league.”
Coming from an athletic background, Venable’s family has a rich sports history. His father, Max, had a lengthy career in the majors spanning 12 seasons and also took on roles as a minor league manager and coach. Will’s brother, Winston, showcased his talents in college football at Boise State and later played in 12 games for the Chicago Bears during the 2011 NFL season.