The 2024 season has not been kind to the Chicago White Sox. With a dismal 28-89 record, the team is on pace to lose more than 120 games, far exceeding the already tough 61-101 and 81-81 finishes of the previous two seasons. In response to their prolonged struggles, the White Sox have made sweeping changes to their coaching staff, including the dismissal of manager Pedro Grifol.
Pedro Grifol, who took over managerial duties in 2023, couldn’t steer the White Sox towards a winning path. Over his two-season tenure with the team, Grifol managed a record of 89-190, translating to a .319 winning percentage. Despite his efforts, the franchise decided that a change was necessary to usher in new energy and development within the team.
Chris Getz, who was appointed as the new General Manager last offseason, began to dismantle and rebuild the roster. The trade deadline saw key players like Erick Fedde, Michael Kopech, and Tommy Pham shipped out, signaling a clear intent to reshape the team’s future. Speaking on the recent changes, Getz acknowledged the difficulties faced this season, stating, “As we all recognize, our team’s performance this season has been disappointing on many levels.”
Interim Leadership for the Remainder of 2024
In a move to stabilize the team, former MLB outfielder Grady Sizemore has been appointed as the interim manager for the remainder of the 2024 season. This shift is part of a broader shakeup that saw bench coach Charlie Montoyo, third base coach Eddie Rodriguez, and assistant hitting coach Mike Tosar also relieved of their duties. Getz elaborated on these decisions: “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.”
Grifol's time with the White Sox was marred by record-setting losing streaks. The team broke its franchise record for the longest losing streak twice this season—first with a 14-game skid from May 22 to June 6, followed by a brutal 21-game streak that was only recently snapped. Such sustained poor performance eroded any remaining patience within the organization and prompted these drastic measures.
A Look at Grifol’s Tenure
Before joining the White Sox, Grifol was entrenched in the Kansas City Royals organization for a decade, bringing with him experience and a fresh perspective. While his vision for the team included motivating players and fostering a culture of hard work and inclusion, the results were simply not there. Reflecting on his own tenure, Grifol stated, “I think I am. I really do. And I think managing is motivating people to play and work hard every single day. 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.”
As the White Sox look ahead, the organization announced that the search for a new permanent manager would begin immediately, with an aim to make an appointment once the current season concludes. Until then, Sizemore will guide the team through the transition period, hoping to inject some stability and maybe even a few morale-boosting victories along the way.
In the eyes of the franchise and its fans, the recent moves symbolize a significant turning point. There is recognition that a change was overdue and that the rebuilding process under new management might eventually yield the desired results. The White Sox will be counting on the fresh perspective and energy to reverse their fortunes and restore the competitiveness of a franchise with a rich history.