CHICAGO — Will Venable is currently navigating the intricate landscape of the Chicago White Sox organization as their new manager. His focus is primarily on engaging with his players and collaborating with the front office to strategize for the offseason ahead.
In crafting his inaugural coaching staff, Venable is considering the inclusion of Grady Sizemore, who served as the interim manager for the White Sox towards the end of the last season.
“There will certainly be a role for him,” Venable remarked during a news conference at Guaranteed Rate Field, while donning his new No. 1 jersey for Chicago. “The key will be figuring out the best way to utilize his skills and how to effectively integrate him into our plans.”
At 42, Venable is stepping into the role of a major league manager for the first time, and he faces the substantial task of leading a rebuilding effort for the team. The White Sox parted ways with Pedro Grifol in August, and under Sizemore’s leadership for the remainder of the season, the team posted a dismal record of 41-121, shattering the major league record for losses in a single season since 1900.
Previously, Venable served as an associate manager for the Texas Rangers, playing a key role in their success during the 2023 World Series. He resigned from that position last month upon accepting the managerial title offered by the White Sox, and so far, the transition appears to be going smoothly.
“There are countless decisions that a general manager makes on a daily basis,” remarked White Sox GM Chris Getz. “What I’ve quickly realized is that I’m comfortable reaching out to Will about any matters and discussing them. I was looking for a partner, and it’s encouraging to see how naturally this dynamic has developed.”
Both Venable and Getz share backgrounds as former Major League players. Venable himself spent nine years as an outfielder with the San Diego Padres, Texas Rangers, and Los Angeles Dodgers. He is the son of Max Venable, who also played professionally and went on to a career as a minor league manager and coach.
According to Max, the challenges Will encountered in his playing career — particularly the struggle to break into the majors and maintain a position — have equipped him to handle the obstacles that come with managing.
“Will is an effective communicator,” Max said. “He has a knack for honesty, which is essential for connecting with players. They appreciate when someone is straightforward with them.”
Before making a name for himself in professional baseball, Will Venable excelled in both baseball and basketball while studying anthropology at Princeton University, where he was recognized as an all-Ivy League athlete in both sports. He credits his education for shaping his understanding of the game, having written his thesis on the cultural nuances of baseball in Japan versus the United States.
“The ability to converse with a diverse group of individuals — drawing from my experiences as a player and my academic background — has certainly benefited me,” he noted.
In addition, Venable has prior experience with the Chicago Cubs and served as the Boston Red Sox’s bench coach in 2021 and 2022. He managed the Red Sox for a week in 2021 when Alex Cora was away and again in 2022 during Cora’s COVID-19 protocols. Venable had interviewed for the White Sox managerial position prior to Grifol’s hiring in November 2022, making his eventual appointment particularly gratifying.
“This is a chance to contribute to the ongoing development and solidify the foundation already in place,” Venable expressed. “Each managerial position presents its own challenges, and I’m eager to embrace the difficulties that this upcoming season holds.”
In a related update on Friday, the White Sox confirmed that they have secured a minor league contract with right-handed pitcher Justin Dunn, who is set to join the team’s big league spring training.