Consider there to be one less name on the list of candidates for the White Sox’s next manager.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, on Thursday evening, the Cincinnati Reds hired future Hall of Fame manager Terry Francona to be their next manager just a year after he stepped away from the Cleveland Guardians. He will be tasked with leading a young, upcoming core into its next wave of contention in a tough, but winnable, NL Central.
Francona was briefly rumored to be a potential candidate for the White Sox in their managerial search, if only because of his time within the White Sox organization early in his managerial career. Francona coached in the White Sox system immediately after retiring as a player from 1991-1995.
Recent reports from the aforementioned Levine suggest that the Dodgers’ Clayton McCullough may be a leading candidate for the White Sox job, while Bob Nightengale has remained steadfast in his connection of Skip Schumaker to the White Sox.
“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)
With this move, Schumaker taking the White Sox’ job if offered may have become more likely, as there are currently only two openings (the Marlins and White Sox) if Schumaker would like another managerial job after leaving Miami. Of course, more spots could open up at the end of the postseason, but by that time, both the Marlins and White Sox will likely be close to making their final decisions.
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. And while Francona may not have been a great fit on the South Side, it’s fair to believe he was likely on the list of candidates that Chris Getz has said is up to about 20 candidates at this point.
As more information becomes available, we will continue to provide updates. But, for now, scratch Francona off your list of potential options for the White Sox.
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