1 MLB manager is reportedly likely to be fired

Oct 2, 2022; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; A view of the MLB logo in the dugout during the game between the Washington Nationals and the Philadelphia Phillies at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports

The first managerial change of the MLB season may happen sooner rather than later, and we may already have a pretty good idea of who the victim might be.

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic wrote Wednesday that it is only a matter of time before the Chicago White Sox part ways with manager Pedro Grifol. According to Rosenthal, a change is inevitable, and the “only question is when it will happen.”

Rosenthal noted that Grifol was hired by a previous regime, and new general manager Chris Getz may wish to hire his own manager. In addition, there is the obvious fact that the White Sox are 15-46 and on Tuesday lost their 12th consecutive game by blowing a 5-0 lead to the Chicago Cubs. Grifol’s recent comments questioning his players’ effort are also viewed as a sign of the increasing pressure Grifol is under, and may be taken as evidence that he is struggling to connect with his players.

The decision will ultimately come down to owner Jerry Reinsdorf, who remains the final decision-maker in the organization. An in-season managerial change cannot be ruled out, but it certainly sounds like Grifol will not be back for 2025 either way.

The White Sox have been a mess dating back to last year, Grifol’s first as manager. There were major concerns about the team’s internal culture, but the team brought him back anyway. Their struggles this season are not really his fault, but they certainly aren’t making any real progress on his watch.