Just months after an ex-Philadelphia Phillies outfielder took over the helm for the Chicago White Sox on an interim basis, another former player has landed in Chicago.
Will Venable becomes latest ex-Phillies player to become White Sox manager
Will Venable, who spent the 2016 season in the Phillies organization, was named the manager of the White Sox on Thursday after spending the past two seasons as a top assistant for the Texas Rangers. He succeeds former Phillies outfielder Grady Sizemore who was named the interim coach in August.
Venable, 42, had a brief stint with the Phillies organization in 2016 when he played 41 games at Triple-A Lehigh Valley. In 127 at-bats for the IronPigs, he hit .205 to go along with two home runs and 19 RBI. His time with the team ended in June of 2016 when he opted out of his minor league contract and joined the Los Angeles Dodgers for the remainder of the season.
Overall in the major leagues, Venable hit .249 with 81 home runs and 307 RBI with the Dodgers, San Diego Padres and Rangers over the course of nine years. He retired in 2018 and has coached in various roles for the Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox and Rangers.
With the Rangers, Venable won his first career World Series title in 2023. This championship experience and pedigree could prove to be valuable for a young White Sox team that will be looking for its first playoff appearance since 2021 and first World Series title since 2005.
Venable will have his hands full as latest former Phillie to manage White Sox
Venable will have his hands full as he looks to get the White Sox back on track in a loaded AL Central following a disastrous campaign. The White Sox finished the 2024 season 41-121, breaking the all-time MLB record for most losses in a season. This title was previously held by the New York Mets who lost 120 games in their first year of existence in 1962.
Sizemore, 42, signed with the Phillies in 2014 and spent parts of two seasons with the club, where he played a total of 99 games. In 260 at-bats, Sizemore slashed .250/.304/.354 while adding three home runs and 18 RBI.
He had the most success of his career as a member of the Cleveland Indians (now known as the Guardians) where he was named to three All-Star teams and received two Gold Glove awards and a Silver Slugger. As interim manager of the White Sox, he coached to a 13-32 record in 45 games. It is unclear whether he will continue with the organization in a different role after missing out on the permanent managerial position.
As the White Sox look to become competitive again, they will do so with yet another former member of the Phillies organization leading the charge.