2. Clayton McCullough, Los Angeles Dodgers first base coach
Player development is McCullough’s biggest strength. After playing in Cleveland’s minor league for four years, he volunteered as the assistant coach for East Carolina.
He became a minor league manager for the Blue Jays two years later, leaving Toronto for the Dodgers after seven years with a combined 629-559 record across Rookie and Class-A leagues. Lately, McCullough interviewed to be the manager for the Mets at the end of 2021 and for the Royals in late 2023.
McCullough fulfills Getz’s criteria to understand player development, which the Sox desperately need. Between his time with Toronto and Los Angeles, McCullough has learned to identify and foster talent from the ground up.
While he hasn’t had the chance to manage a team yet, this shouldn’t work against him. His tenure with the Dodgers, a team known for developing young pitchers, should further motivate the Sox to hire him in some capacity if not manager.
Player development is a big focus as the White Sox's managerial search is ramping up.
— 670 The Score (@670TheScore) September 25, 2024
And one of the names who has emerged as a leading candidate currently works in the Dodgers organization, @MLBBruceLevine reports.
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1. Will Venable - Texas Rangers associate manager
Venable has racked up diverse coaching experience over the years. He began as a first and third base coach with the Cubs in 2018 through 2020, which included a stint as special assistant to president of baseball operations Theo Epstein.
Venable joined the Red Sox as their bench coach for two years before becoming the Rangers associate manager last year. He has contributed to one division title, one Division Series win, and one World Series win with Texas during his management career.
Succeeding under Red Sox manager Alex Cora and Rangers manager Bruce Bochy bodes well for Venable’s future career as a manager. Venable has trained under two of the most analytically minded managers in MLB and can help the Sox get out of their old-school management rut.
Plus, his nine-year career as an outfielder would help turn around clubhouse culture and rapport. With Venable being a big candidate name that has drawn interest from many teams, the Sox shouldn’t miss their opportunity this year.