When general manager Chris Getz spoke about what the White Sox want in their next manager, he said in August that the organization was focused on finding outside candidates currently in uniform.
On Tuesday, Getz withdrew one of these criteria.
“Grady (Sizemore) is under consideration,” Getz said. “He has a lot of the qualities we’re looking for, but we definitely want to go through a full process before we make any decision. “… He’s done a very good job in our evaluation and we think he deserves to be considered. I can’t say he’s one step ahead of anyone because it’s going to be an in-depth process and we’re going to find someone who’s the best fit for us. But he deserves to be in the conversation.”
Getz rejected the idea of hiring the team’s next manager internally back in August. When asked about potential internal frustrations regarding the specific criteria, Getz stood by his statement, saying he wanted to be open and honest with his current subordinates about the new direction he wants to take for the position.
However, Sizemore is being considered for the position, a telltale sign that the White Sox value his work as interim manager after the organization fired Pedro Grifol as permanent manager.
“I have tremendous respect for Grady and the team,” said Getz. “Grady’s temperament is exactly what we needed. It was clear early on and has remained that the players have a lot of respect for him, and that’s because of his character, the way he communicates with the players and the way he supports the players.”
“The players responded well. Of course, they didn’t necessarily have the statistical results or anything else that might have been reflected in the win and loss record, but the intent and effort was there and that speaks volumes for the players as well as Grady and the coaching staff.”
Given Sizemore’s limited baseball experience after his playing career, his chances of winning the managerial position are probably slim. Before joining the White Sox, Sizemore was a minor league coach with the Guardians and a 2023 coach with the Arizona Complex League Diamondbacks, earning $15 an hour because the team had no openings.
Sizemore was fortunate enough to land a job with the White Sox. Assistant general manager Josh Barfield recommended him to Grifol after Grifol got his job in Chicago. Grifol accepted the request and brought Sizemore onto his staff. However, his experience as a manager and coach in the MLB is incredibly limited.
Getz says the White Sox have a long list of candidates and he plans to fill the position by late October or early November.
“I’m looking for a partner to help me lead this organization,” Getz said. “That can come in a number of different forms. We’ve worked out our criteria. We’ve looked at the outcomes we want, we have a large pool of candidates, and we’re going to work through that and find the best solution for us.”
Sizemore remains focused on finishing the rest of the season strong, but it’s worth noting that the White Sox are one loss away from setting a new, modern MLB record for losses in a season. They could set the record at home against the Angels on Tuesday.
Whatever the case, Sizemore is grateful for the opportunity.
“I’m not too worried about it right now,” Sizemore said Tuesday. “I think I’m still worried about finishing this season well. Obviously, I like everything about this organization. I like the opportunity they’ve given me. I want to continue what I started and be a part of it in any way I can and just try to get this organization back on its feet as quickly as possible.”
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