Since the White Sox announced that Ethan Katz and Curt Hasler would be returning to the major league coaching staff, there has been very little information regarding the rest of the staff that has come out – other than the fact that very few members would actually be returning.
Today, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reported that Chris Johnson is likely to join the White Sox’ major league staff in 2023. It is not clear what role Johnson will hold, however, it appears it may be as an assistant hitting coach role.
Future Sox did an excellent interview with Johnson back in October if you’re looking for more information on Johnson and his hitting philosophy.
Johnson was hired to be the Charlotte Knights hitting coach prior to the 2021 season. Before that, he was drafted by the Astros in the fourth round of the 2006 MLB Draft and appeared in parts of eight big league seasons with the Astros, Braves, Diamondbacks, Guardians, and Marlins. He was a career .275/.313/.404 hitter, playing both corner infield positions as well as some corner outfield. His coaching tenure with the White Sox was the first of his professional career. Johnson was well-respected and highly regarded in his time with Charlotte, which likely plays a part in this decision for the club.
While some are considering this a situation where the White Sox are simply filling their staff from within without any regard for Grifol’s choices, that is just an oversimplification of what is happening here. Mike Tosar is likely to be the next hitting coach for the club, who is a long-time friend of Grifol’s and was previously on Kansas City’s coaching staff with Grifol. When you’re filling your staff with external options, the process is going to take longer.
It’s going to require some patience as the White Sox put their coaching staff together – and they’re not the only one yet to do so either. We will continue to provide updates as they become available.
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