The Chicago White Sox are in search of new leadership as owner Jerry Reinsdorf considers selling the franchise and the team looks for a permanent manager to replace interim manager Grady Sizemore. Three names have emerged as potential candidates for the managerial position: A.J. Ellis, George Lombard, and Skip Schumaker. Of the three, only Schumaker has major league managerial experience, having previously led the Miami Marlins to a surprise Wild Card berth in his first season before a poor performance in his second year. Lombard briefly coached Ellis in Los Angeles in 2016 and now serves as the Detroit Tigers’ bench coach, while Ellis works in the San Diego Padres’ front office.
The White Sox are in need of a manager to help lead the team out of a difficult situation after setting a modern-era record with 121 losses in 2024. Chicago fired manager Pedro Grifol midseason and replaced him with interim manager Sizemore. The team is expected to have a $67.5 million payroll in 2025 and may not spend in free agency to address the weaknesses on their roster. It is possible that Reinsdorf’s budget constraints as he explores a sale could limit the team to first-time managerial candidates, potentially benefiting Ellis and Lombard if they are interested in the job. The American League Central sent three teams to the postseason in 2024, making the competition tough for the White Sox.
Whoever takes on the role of White Sox manager will face a challenging year ahead, with the team having a low bar for success after their poor performance in the previous season. No team had lost 120 games since the 1962 New York Mets. As teams up their game in the American League Central, the White Sox will have to aim for improvement. The new manager will have an opportunity to make a mark on the team and help steer them towards success in the upcoming season. Stay tuned for more MLB news and updates on this developing story.
