The Chicago White Sox are reportedly down to three finalists in their search for a new manager. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Craig Albernaz, Will Venable, and Phil Nevin are the last three candidates for the position. Albernaz, the bench coach for the Cleveland Guardians, and Venable, the Texas Rangers associate manager, are also the final two candidates for the Miami Marlins’ managerial vacancy, as reported on Monday.
White Sox Managerial Search Reportedly Down To Three Finalists https://t.co/DtnONQveo6 pic.twitter.com/FrdjAV12zR
— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) October 29, 2024
Report: White Sox Down to Three Candidates for New Manager
Venable and Nevin remained on the shortlist after an earlier narrowing of candidates on Sunday by the White Sox. Both carry coaching experience at the major league level, and Nevin managed the Los Angeles Angels for nearly two full seasons. Albernaz has been a popular candidate among multiple teams with managerial openings. A career minor leaguer as a player, Albernaz carries major league coaching experience with both the Guardians and the San Francisco Giants, serving as a bullpen and catching coach with the latter.
With Nevin, 53, being the oldest of these finalists, it is clear that the White Sox are looking for some younger blood to helm the franchise through what is sure to be a lengthy rebuild. After setting the modern-day major league record with 121 losses in 2024, the pressure is on to find the right fit. Based on Nightengale’s reporting, it appears interim manager Grady Sizemore, who took over for the fired Pedro Grifol in August, will not be that person.
The Chicago White Sox and Miami Marlins could find themselves in a battle over the same managerial candidates.
The White Sox’s three finalists for their managerial vacancy are Texas Rangers associate manager Will Venable, former Los Angeles Angels manager Phil Nevin, and…— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) October 29, 2024
The fact that two of the White Sox finalists are also the last two in the Marlins search creates plenty of intrigue both ways. One franchise may decide against a candidate, while the other sees them as the right fit and brings them on. Conversely, Chicago or Miami is the first to lock down their top choice, it will limit the options of the other team.
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