In a stunning move, the Chicago White Sox have dismissed manager Pedro Grifol amidst a turbulent 2024 season. The White Sox, who hold a dismal 28-89 record, have decided to shake up their coaching staff in hopes of revitalizing the team’s lackluster performance on the field.
Grifol, appointed as manager in the 2023 season, leaves behind a tumultuous tenure with the team, amassing an overall record of 89-190 and a .319 winning percentage over two seasons. Despite his efforts to steer the franchise in the right direction, the results simply did not meet expectations.
"As we all recognize, our team's performance this season has been disappointing on many levels," said Chris Getz, the newly appointed general manager who began an extensive rebuild of the roster last offseason. Getz emphasized the professionalism and dedication that Grifol and his staff demonstrated, but acknowledged that a change was necessary for the organization’s future. "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."
The White Sox, enduring what can only be described as a nightmare season, set a new record for the longest losing streak in franchise history twice. The first debilitating 14-game losing streak stretched from May 22 to June 6, only to be followed by a 21-game losing streak that was recently snapped. The team is now on pace to lose more than 120 games this season, a staggering figure that has intensified calls for a dramatic overhaul.
Stepping in as the interim manager for the remainder of the 2024 season will be Grady Sizemore. The organization has also relieved bench coach Charlie Montoyo, third base coach Eddie Rodriguez, and assistant hitting coach Mike Tosar of their duties, further underscoring the sweeping changes underway.
Chris Getz, who has been at the helm of the team’s rebuilding efforts, faces the daunting task of finding a new permanent manager, a process the organization announced will start immediately. The new permanent manager is expected to be named after the season concludes.
In discussing his tenure, Pedro Grifol remained reflective and thoughtful. "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."
Before his stint with the White Sox, Grifol was part of the Kansas City Royals organization for a decade. His wealth of experience, however, was not enough to counterbalance the severe performance issues plaguing the White Sox. The decline in team performance has been visible over the past few seasons, from a middling 81-81 record in 2022 to a disheartening 61-101 record in 2023, culminating in this year’s catastrophic season.
At the trade deadline on July 30, the White Sox made significant roster changes, trading Erick Fedde, Michael Kopech, and Tommy Pham. These moves were indicative of Getz's strategic planning to rebuild and strengthen the team for future success.
As the curtain draws on one of the most challenging chapters in recent memory for the Chicago White Sox, the organization and its fans are left hoping that these decisive changes will lead to a revival of fortunes. Grady Sizemore, who will guide the team through this transitional period, shoulders the responsibility of stabilizing a ship that has been adrift for far too long. The countdown begins as the White Sox embark on their search for a new manager, aiming to inject new energy and direction into a team desperately in need of a turnaround.