White Sox officially name Pedro Grifol next manager
Bench coach Pedro Grifol #6 of the Kansas City Royals looks on during batting practice before the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on June 09, 2021 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
CHICAGO - Pedro Grifol was officially announced as the new manager of the Chicago White Sox on Thursday.
Grifol, 52, has coached for the division-rival Kansas City Royals since 2013, most recently serving as their bench coach.
The Miami-native was drafted by the Twins in 1991 and spent nine seasons in the minors before beginning his coaching career.
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"Pedro is a bilingual, modern baseball thinker who brings two-plus decades of experience in a variety of roles – bench coach, hitting coach, winter ball and minor league manager, director of player development and scout," White Sox general manager Rick Hahn said in a statement. "He is an excellent communicator and an experienced game planner who brings a high energy and detail-oriented approach to leadership. He is committed to building an inclusive and cohesive clubhouse, and we could not be happier to have Pedro leading our club."
Grifol interviewed for the managing job after Matheny was fired as part of a widespread shakeup within the organization after a 65-97 finish — Kansas City’s sixth straight losing season. The Royals hired Tampa Bay Rays bench coach Matt Quatraro as manager on Sunday night.
Despite being poised for a playoff run, the season ended unceremoniously for the White Sox, who posted a .500 record.
"Jerry, Kenny and I talked a couple hours ago about this being our most disappointing season of each of our careers," general manager Rick Hahn said. "Jerry made reference to ’84 going from 99 wins to 75 or something that year as being shocking. We’ve had other years we haven’t quite met expectations and we might be too close to the trees in the forest given where we sit this season given the frustration that it created. But look, this is going to have an effect. This is going to impact people."
Hall of Famer Tony La Russa missed the final 34 games because of health problems and announced he would not return to the ballclub.
"Our team’s record this season is the final reality. It is an unacceptable disappointment. There were some pluses, but too many minuses," La Russa said. "I was hired to provide positive, difference-making leadership and support. Our record is proof. I did not do my job."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.