If there is one thing Chris Getz has committed to in his tenure as the White Sox’ General Manager, it has been bringing in talented individuals to the front office staff to improve day-to-day operations. This trend is reportedly continuing this offseason.
According to James Fegan of SoxMachine and Francys Romero, the White Sox are finalizing the hiring of former Tampa Bay Rays assistant general manager Carlos Rodriguez. The role is expected to be that of the team’s third assistant general manager, joining Josh Barfield and Jin Wong, who already hold the title. The White Sox have not yet confirmed this report.
According to Romero, the White Sox met with Rodriguez during the Winter Meetings while he was also a candidate this offseason for the Yankees’ international director position. Previously, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney reported that Rodriguez was a finalist for the Cubs’ next general manager when the team hired Carter Hawkins.
Rodriguez is reportedly coming to the White Sox after 15 years of experience with the Tampa Bay Rays and some time as a scout with the Toronto Blue Jays. He joined the Rays back in 2010 as a professional and area scout and stepped into the role of vice president and assistant general manager in 2022. In an October press release, Rodriguez cited being ready to step away to new opportunities as the biggest reason for his departure.
“After 15 incredible years with the Tampa Bay Rays organization, I’ve decided the time is right to step away and transition to explore other opportunities,” said Rodriguez. “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together and grateful for all the friendships I’ve made here — especially Erik Neander, who has been like a brother to me.’
– Carlos Rodriguez (via WFLA’s Alaina Papazian)
The Rays’ website credits Rodriguez with overseeing player development and performance science, leading efforts to create a more comprehensive development system. Several of his initiatives, including the expansion of sports nutrition and individualized performance and wellness programs, are noted as contributing factors to the Rays’ farm system posting the best winning percentage in the minors in 2021 and 2022. He is also credited with playing a key role in the scouting and signing of internal free agents José Alvarado, Jonathan Aranda, Vidal Bruján, Genesis Cabrera, Diego Castillo, Yonny Chirinos, Ronaldo Hernández, René Pinto, Cristopher Sánchez, and Jesús Sánchez.
With Getz’s work to overhaul the team’s international scouting, player development, and coaching staff over the past two seasons, Rodriguez fits as another highly qualified and experienced individual who brings a new perspective to an organization that has been sorely in need of those. The elephant in the room that can’t be ignored: his time with the Rays largely overlapped with a period of great success despite limited major league payrolls, so perhaps Getz has become more aware of the cards he’s been dealt and is working to ensure he surrounds himself with those who have worked within the same constraints.
While not much is known yet about Rodriguez’s role, we will continue to provide updates as the White Sox make this hiring official and release any further information.
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Featured Image: Tampa Bay Rays’ Team Website
