In a season marked by unprecedented lows, the Chicago White Sox have decided to part ways with manager Pedro Grifol. The team's current standing—a dismal 28-89 record—coupled with back-to-back historically long losing streaks, has left the front office with little choice but to initiate sweeping changes.
This decision seems almost inevitable given the team's trajectory over the past few seasons. In 2023, the White Sox finished with a 61-101 record, a significant drop from their 81-81 finish in 2022. The 2024 season has proven to be even more catastrophic. The team has set a new franchise record for the longest losing streak not once, but twice. The first 14-game slide from May 22 to June 6 was followed by a gut-wrenching 21-game losing streak. This put the team on a pace to lose more than 120 games this season, which would mark an alarming low even in the world of professional sports.
Grady Sizemore has been appointed as the interim manager for the remainder of the 2024 season. He takes on this role amidst ongoing turbulence, as the team announced a broader overhaul of the coaching staff, relieving bench coach Charlie Montoyo, third base coach Eddie Rodriguez, and assistant hitting coach Mike Tosar of their duties.
Chris Getz, the newly appointed General Manager, who began the roster rebuild last offseason, expressed the collective disappointment felt by the organization. "As we all recognize, our team's performance this season has been disappointing on many levels," Getz noted. "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."
For Grifol, the end of his tenure is a somber reflection on an opportunity that ultimately did not pan out. His overall record of 89-190 garners a .319 winning percentage over two seasons, a stark contrast to his decade-long tenure with the Kansas City Royals organization, where he served before joining the White Sox.
"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," Grifol expressed, reflecting on his approach to management and his belief in his capabilities.
In a significant move at the July 30 trade deadline, the White Sox traded Erick Fedde, Michael Kopech, and Tommy Pham in an effort to kickstart the rebuilding process. The front office has confirmed that the search for a new permanent manager will commence immediately, with the announcement of Grifol's full-time successor expected after the conclusion of the season.
Grady Sizemore, who now steps in as the interim manager, is faced with the challenging task of steering the team through the remainder of a turbulent season. His tenure will be largely seen as a transitional period, as the franchise looks ahead to rebuilding and revitalizing its roster and staff.
With Chris Getz at the helm as GM and a forthcoming search for a new manager, the White Sox are poised for a significant transformation. The organization’s recent moves signal a determination to reverse the fortunes of a team stuck in a cycle of underperformance. Whether these changes will yield positive results remains to be seen, but it is clear that the franchise is ready to embark on a new chapter, one that aims to restore pride and competitiveness to this storied team.