The Chicago White Sox have made a decisive shift in their leadership by dismissing manager Pedro Grifol amidst a tumultuous season. Grifol, who took over the managerial duties in 2023, oversaw a team that has faced significant challenges, both on and off the field. The decision comes as the White Sox languish at the bottom of the standings with a 28-89 record in 2024, putting them on pace for over 120 losses this season.
Grifol's tenure with the White Sox has been a rocky one. In his two seasons with the team, he amassed an overall record of 89-190, translating to a .319 winning percentage. Prior to his stint in Chicago, Grifol spent a decade with the Kansas City Royals organization, a period during which he built a reputation for his dedication and strong work ethic. Despite these qualities, the results on the field have necessitated a change, as articulated by the White Sox's new GM, Chris Getz.
"As we all recognize, our team's performance this season has been disappointing on many levels," Getz stated. "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."
A Season Marred by Losing Streaks
This season, the White Sox have set a new record for the longest losing streak in franchise history not once, but twice. A 14-game skid from May 22 to June 6 was only a precursor to a 21-game losing streak that the team recently snapped. These dismal stretches have been indicative of the broader issues facing the team, contributing to their dismal standing.
During the 2023 season, the White Sox finished with a 61-101 record, a stark contrast to their .500 finish in 2022 with an 81-81 record. The steep decline over these seasons exemplifies the struggles that Grifol and his coaching staff encountered.
Changes in the Coaching Staff
Alongside Grifol’s departure, the White Sox have also relieved bench coach Charlie Montoyo, third base coach Eddie Rodriguez, and assistant hitting coach Mike Tosar of their duties. These moves are part of a broader strategy to rejuvenate a team that has failed to meet expectations.
In the interim, former MLB All-Star Grady Sizemore has been appointed to steer the team for the remainder of the 2024 season. Sizemore's task will be to lead a transitioning team while the organization seeks out a new permanent manager, who will be named after the season concludes.
"I think I am. I really do. And I think managing is motivating people to play and work hard every single day," Grifol reflected. "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."
Looking Ahead
This season has also seen significant roster changes under the guidance of GM Chris Getz, who began his rebuilding efforts last offseason. At the July 30 trade deadline, the White Sox traded away Erick Fedde, Michael Kopech, and Tommy Pham, signaling a shift towards a future-oriented strategy.
The organization has expressed its intent to initiate an immediate search for a new permanent manager. This search, combined with ongoing roster adjustments, demonstrates the White Sox's commitment to revitalizing a team that has underperformed for consecutive seasons.
Getz's comments encapsulate the difficult but necessary steps being taken: "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."
As the White Sox endeavor to move past the challenges of recent seasons, the focus now shifts to rebuilding and revitalization. The appointment of Grady Sizemore as interim manager is a step in this direction, while the search for a permanent manager signals the beginning of a new chapter for the storied franchise.