Grifol discusses return as manager, reiterates praise for Getz

CHICAGO -- It was late in Chris Getz’s opening press conference Thursday afternoon at Guaranteed Rate Field when the new White Sox general manager announced Pedro Grifol would return as manager in 2024.

Grifol, who has two years left on his contract and was attending the presser, showed no reaction while sitting in the front row. That news in response to a media question clearly was not the first time Grifol had found out about Getz’s decision.

“There's been conversations that I've had prior, not in complete detail, but I never once felt that my job was in jeopardy,” said Grifol, prior to a 4-2 White Sox loss to the Tigers on a beautiful Friday in Chicago. “Obviously, he made it known to the public yesterday.

“In all my conversations, with him and even Rick [Hahn] and Kenny [Williams] and [White Sox chairman] Jerry [Reinsdorf], I never felt that way. So, having him say it to the public I guess is just information for the media and everybody else out there.”

Getz shared more information about this promotion during one-inning appearances on the White Sox television and radio broadcasts Friday, talking about having trouble sleeping Thursday due to the excitement of his increased responsibilities. He also met with the players prior to the team dropping to 53-82 overall, outlining expectations and what he wants from the group.

“Obviously we're all familiar with him and respect him and we want to see him succeed and we want to succeed as well. So I think that's a really good partnership,” White Sox first baseman Gavin Sheets said. “He was upbeat. He was excited about his opportunity, he was excited to work with us.”

But for this move to work, following the Aug. 22 dismissal of Williams and Hahn, it’s going to have to be a group effort. That group includes Grifol and the front office, with Getz expected to make additional hires in the coming weeks and months. It also includes players at the core of this rebuild, who have produced overall disappointing results since the competitive window began following the rebuild.

Third baseman Yoán Moncada is one of those key players. While nobody on the roster is considered an untouchable, according to Getz, Moncada is owed $24 million in ‘24, with a $25 million option along with a $5 million buyout in ‘25. Coming off two straight injury-riddled, subpar seasons, Moncada figures to be helping the White Sox more than any other team.

The back injury that cost him time from June 14 to July 24 needs offseason rest more than surgery to get strong, according to what doctors have told the switch-hitter.

“Honestly, I just need to find a different way to do things in my preparation,” said Moncada through interpreter Billy Russo. “That’s something I have to figure out during the offseason. Try to do new things that can help me to stay healthy. That’s basically where I stand.”

“The most important thing is to try to prevent injuries here in these last 30 days, or 35 days, and not where they first have to go home, get healthy and then start their program,” Grifol said. “We're focused right now on making sure they do the right things on and off the field and go out to the offseason and prepare themselves to navigate a Major League season."

Tim Anderson picked up career hit No. 999 in the eighth inning Friday, and is one of the players the White Sox have to make a decision on for ‘24 with a $14 million club option and a $1 million buyout. It comes on the heels of a really rough current campaign for Anderson, and Colson Montgomery, the top White Sox prospect and No. 17 overall, per MLB Pipeline, pushing his way to the Majors in ‘24 at the same position.

At the helm of all these decisions will be Getz, who is the singular voice and final say in terms of White Sox baseball. Grifol already has sung the praises of the 40-year-old creative baseball mind who he coached as a player with the Royals and worked alongside in Kansas City and Chicago with Getz in the front office.

His praise was reiterated Friday.

“Him getting the job, it couldn't have gone to anybody more prepared,” Grifol said. “He learns quickly. He's got a creative mind, he delegates well, a really good communicator. In my opinion, we've got a good guy leading us.”