(670 The Score) It speaks to how historically awful the White Sox were in 2024 that they could have a 20-game improvement in 2025 and yet would still lose more than 100 games.
That’s the sad state of affairs that new manager Will Venable has entered after the White Sox went 41-121 this past season, setting an MLB record for the most losses in a single season. Venable, who was officially named the White Sox’s new manager last Thursday, knows the job won’t be easy.
So how will he measure success in 2025? Venable explained that during an appearance on the Mully & Haugh Show on Tuesday.
“Obviously, wins and losses matter,” Venable said. “And that’s something as we round out our roster and have a good idea of where we’re at, we will have goals and expectations. But I think also it’s more subjective in kind of evaluating have we created an environment that gives players an opportunity to be at their best? Have we continued to develop our systems and our processes for the long term? And then ultimately, are we making players better? I think that’s a great measure of success. I know that there’s a lot of players that had great second halves last year, and we want to continue to build on that. So that will be a measure of success as well.”
Venable, 42, has joined the White Sox after working as the Rangers’ associate manager for the past two seasons in Texas, where he was a part of the 2023 team that won the World Series.
Prior to working for the Rangers, Venable was the Red Sox’s bench coach for two seasons and worked for the Cubs from 2017-’20, first in their front office and then as their first-base coach and third-base coach. Venable had a nine-year MLB playing career as an outfielder.
“The reality is that last year was a tough season, and I understand the perception,” Venable said of taking over a 121-loss team. “I think it’s going to be about moving forward and continuing to build on the foundation.”