4. Daniel Descalso, St Louis. Cardinals bench coach
Most of Descalso’s time in MLB has been spent as a player. He was an infielder from 2010 through 2019 but has only recently transitioned into baseball management.
In 2023, Descalso sat in the front office as a baseball operations assistant with Arizona, supporting roster and lineup construction in the same year the Diamondbacks unexpectedly won the pennant. Recently, he joined the Cardinals as the bench coach to help the Cardinals place second in the NL Central with an 83-79 record this season.
Despite Descalso’s knowledge of what it takes to succeed on and off the field, he would be a risky choice. Descalso has more to learn and the Sox have too many missing pieces, and can’t afford to let Descalso learn the ropes on the job. While he might be a great fit later, hiring him now would set him up for failure.
3. Skip Schumaker, former Marlins manager
Schumaker has quickly built a reputation for himself. He started as the first base coach with the Padres in 2017 before being promoted to associate manager in 2020, the same year that San Diego reached the postseason for the first time since 2006.
After two years, Schumaker became the Cardinals bench coach and contributed to St. Louis’ NL Central title in 2022. Schumaker was with the Marlins from 2023-2024 as their manager, where he won NL Manager of the Year. Now, he’s back on the job market.
Though his winning resume is appealing, Schumaker’s historical disputes with management throw a wrench in his potential fit with the Sox. Jake Mintz, senior writer for Yahoo Sports, outlined that Schumaker’s disagreement with the front office’s decision to restructure the team after their successful season led him to request his team mutual option be voided. Schumaker’s frustration with front-office decisions doesn’t bode well with Getz at the helm.
Chicago won't be winners any time soon and the front office will likely make decisions that may not position the Sox for immediate success, which may not sit well with Schumaker. If things don't pan out in Schumaker's favor, the Sox risk being back at square one sooner than planned.