Following Chris Getz’s comments to the media on Tuesday regarding the future of the team and their managerial position, more information has come out regarding who might be in the manager’s seat moving forward.
Along with mentioning the oft-discussed Skip Schumaker, 670 The Score’s Bruce Levine called Clayton McCullough of the Dodgers a “leading candidate” for the White Sox’ managerial opening. With the Reds firing David Bell, it appears that Schumaker might be a better fit in Cincinnati rather than Chicago, opening the door for McCullough.
With Levine speaking on behalf of an American League coach, it appears that McCullough may be more than just a “leading candidate” – he might be the favorite:
“I was told not to get my hopes up for the job. They love McCullough and think with his background and pedigree, he is the perfect manager to help develop and grow with the young group they are building there.”
– Anonymous American League Coach (via Bruce Levine)
This offseason, McCullough interviewed for the Cleveland Guardians job that ultimately went to Stephen Vogt. He was also interviewed for positions before the 2023 season, including the Mets and the Royals. He currently serves as the Dodgers’ first base coach.
The 44-year-old was drafted in the 22nd round by the Cleveland Guardians in 2002 after attending East Carolina University. He only spent a few seasons in pro ball before transitioning to his post-playing career, starting out as a volunteer assistant coach for his alma mater. From there, he worked his way up, serving as a manager for the Blue Jays’ rookie and A-ball affiliates from 2007-2014, during which he compiled a 629-559 record. He then began his time in the Dodgers’ organization, serving in various roles over his first seven seasons, including a stint as the team’s minor league field coordinator while also overseeing the team’s alternate site at the University of Southern California during the 2020 COVID season. He became the team’s first base coach prior to the 2021 season and has remained in that role up to today.
McCullough has also worked with new White Sox Miguel Vargas extensively on his defense, according to Vargas – though, based on Vargas’ early returns, this might not exactly be a point in McCullough’s favor.
McCullough has received praise for his previous managerial interviews due to some “impressive” personal touches, with Dodgers beat writers believing his departure for the Guardians’ job last offseason was “inevitable.” Though he doesn’t come with major league playing or managing experience, some MLB team is likely on the verge of hiring a very hot name in McCullough away from the Dodgers organization. It would stand to reason that the White Sox could certainly benefit from someone with his vast coaching experience in an organization worth modeling.
“We are looking for someone who understands where we are in the process. I am looking for a partner in this to help lead this organization. We have a deep candidate pool. We will work on that and find the best fit for us. The player development component will be a strong emphasis on what we are looking for. The next manager will have to be in charge of that development, especially at the big league level. I think maybe in this case, the background and player development ability will be more meaningful.”
– Chris Getz (via media appearance Tuesday)
McCullough certainly checks a lot of those boxes.
The White Sox hope to have a new manager hired by late October or the first week of November. Under MLB guidelines, they can ask permission to speak with candidates who are currently working for playoff teams and then interview them in October.
We will provide more rumors and updates as they are available – for now, here are nine other candidates that could make sense to be the White Sox next manager, other than McCullough.
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Featured Image: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
