A new candidate has emerged for the White Sox managerial job, and it’s one you likely haven’t heard much about.
Kansas City bench coach Pedro Grifol has an interview already scheduled with the organization, according to a new report from ESPN Senior Writer Enrique Rojas. The Miami native is set to meet with his hometown Marlins and the Royals for their vacancies, as well.
Grifol, 52, played nine seasons in the minor leagues between the Twins and Mets organizations. After the former catcher failed to break through Triple-A, he transitioned into other roles, most notably serving as the Director of Minor League Operations for the Mariners over several years.
Grifol joined Kansas City in 2013 and has held a variety of positions during those 10 years, including the team’s special assignment coach, hitting coach, and catching and quality control coach. For the past three seasons, he’s served as the Royals’ major league bench coach under the recently fired Mike Matheny. The Cuban-American has also led minor league teams on separate occasions and managed in the Dominican Republic and Venezuelan winter leagues.
When it comes to managerial searches, this is nothing new for Grifol. He was a candidate for the Tigers (on two different occasions), Orioles, Giants, and even the Royals before they opted for Matheny. Though failing to ever make it out of the final round, Grifol clearly has earned some level of respect amongst his peers and will give it another go in what’s become sort of an offseason ritual.
One glance through his resume and Grifole has done nearly everything possible to prepare for this chance. If there was ever a fit for him, though, it seems like it would remain in Kansas City. From his existing relationships with the players to the front office and everyone in between, Grifol would provide a smooth transition and get his long-awaited shot to steer the ship. It wouldn’t be a bad thing to start off with a team that has zero expectations either.
Time will ultimately tell whether or not Grifol will get his opportunity in 2023. It may not come in Chicago, but Rick Hahn and Co. will do their due diligence by exploring him as a potential option.
For a list of 10 names to watch during the White Sox managerial search, click here.
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Featured Photo: © Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
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Red Barchetta: Royals bench coach Pedro Grifol was also their catching coach in 2015 when KC beat the Mets in the World Series. He had the same job in 2014 when KC reached the Series but lost to the Giants and possible new sox manager Bruce Bochy.
What happened to Hahn saying he would be looking for someone who had “recent experience in the dugout with a team that has experienced championships?”
White Sox Assistant GM Chris Getz should have significant input regarding Pedro Grifol. Prior to joining the White Sox, Getz was a Royals front office assistant and was involved with their player development.