MLB Rumors: Buck Showalter Wants AL Central Team's Manager Job
According to Keith Law of The Athletic, Showalter is "angling" for the position as the White Sox look to fill their managerial vacancy after a historically poor 2024 season, in which the team lost an MLB-record 121 games.
Known for his ability to turn struggling teams around, Showalter boasts a career record of 1,727-1,665 and has won four Manager of the Year awards. His extensive experience rebuilding franchises makes him an intriguing candidate for the White Sox, who are desperate to return to relevance.
Buck Showalter is “angling for the manager’s job” for the Chicago White Sox, per @keithlaw. pic.twitter.com/idJXAiVR0m
— Just Baseball (@JustBB_Media) October 5, 2024
When Pete Alonso handed out lottery tickets to Buck Showalter during a mound visit 😂
— Dugoutforever (@dugoutforever) October 4, 2024
pic.twitter.com/Q8frUj4g9E
Despite Showalter's impressive resume, it's unclear if the White Sox will pursue him.
The team is also considering other candidates, such as Los Angeles Dodgers first base coach Clayton McCullough and former Miami Marlins manager Skip Schumaker.
McCullough, in particular, is reportedly seen as a favorite due to his success working with young players—a key factor for a White Sox team looking to develop a promising farm system, ranked 11th by MLB.com.
An anonymous American League coach told The Athletic that McCullough’s experience with player development makes him an "ideal fit" for Chicago's long-term rebuilding project.
Which NL rookie would Buck Showalter choose to start his franchise with? pic.twitter.com/3fhNdTwE1R
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) September 2, 2024
While Showalter's track record of guiding underperforming teams to competitiveness could be tempting, some concerns remain.
Law pointed out that Showalter "would be the wrong hire" due to his tendency to interfere in player development, which could conflict with the team's current focus on nurturing young talent.
Nevertheless, with the White Sox aiming to make a decision by late October or early November, Showalter's candidacy adds intrigue to an important offseason for the franchise.
Photo Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
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