Pedro Grifol, the current manager of the Chicago White Sox, may soon be replaced, according to USA Today columnist Bob Nightengale. The team is reportedly considering Miami Marlins manager Skip Schumaker as a potential successor.
Grifol is midway through his second season with the White Sox, holding a league-worst record of 82-159. Although his contract extends through the end of the 2025 season, the team’s poor performance has led to speculation about his future.
Nightengale had previously indicated that the White Sox were unlikely to part ways with Grifol midseason but would reevaluate his position this winter. However, new reports suggest that internal discussions have already begun about potential replacements, with Schumaker emerging as a leading candidate for the 2025 season.
Schumaker, currently managing the Marlins, has a record of 110-128 over the past 15 months. Despite Miami’s current struggles, which include a 27-50 record, Schumaker led the team to the postseason in 2023 and won the NL Manager of the Year award. His challenges this year can be attributed to the team’s low payroll and significant changes in the front office.
Before his managerial career, Schumaker played 11 seasons in the MLB, primarily with the St. Louis Cardinals, and was part of their 2011 World Series-winning team under Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa. La Russa, who managed the White Sox in 2021 and 2022 before stepping down due to health issues, is expected to have a significant influence on the White Sox’s managerial search. This connection is a key reason why Schumaker is being considered a top candidate.
As the White Sox navigate this challenging period, the decisions made in the coming months will be crucial for the future direction of the team.
