The 2024 Chicago White Sox are comparable to the 1962 New York Mets in many ways. However, with the White Sox season sinking faster than the Titanic, they have fired manager Pedro Grifol. The decision comes after a franchise-record 21-game losing streak. Grifol, 54, was in his second season as White Sox manager, his first managerial job in the majors. Grifol’s first season was a disappointing performance in 2023 with a 61-101 record, a significant setback from an 81-81 record in 2022. New general manager Chris Getz began to tear down the roster this past offseason and as a result, Chicago is 28-89, the worst record in MLB.
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) August 8, 2024
Pedro Grifol Dismissed by White Sox
Chicago is commencing a search for a new manager immediately. A full-time replacement will likely be announced in the offseason as the White Sox did not announce an interim manager; Getz will speak to reporters later this morning.
The White Sox began the season with 22 losses in their first 25 games, tying the 2022 Cincinnati Reds and 2003 Detroit Tigers for the worst 25-game start in the modern era. The 1988 Baltimore Orioles were worse, who began at 2-23. Unfortunately, it became a difficult hole for the White Sox to climb out of. Chicago began their franchise-record slide on July 10 against the Minnesota Twins. When it reached 16 games, Grifol denied multiple reports that he told White Sox players that it would be on them if they broke the MLB record for losses. The White Sox have lost 100 games just five times since they began play in 1901, including a franchise-worst 106 losses in 1970.
With less than two months of the season left, the White Sox are on pace to lose more than 120 games. Erick Fedde, Michael Kopech and Tommy Pham were among the players traded away at the trade deadline. The White Sox roster now is far less talented than they were in the first half.
More to come.
Main Photo: © Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports
