While Jerry Reinsdorf’s potential sale of the White Sox is grabbing most of the headlines, the team has some immediate business to handle—finding a new manager to steer the ship. Reports from Sox Machine’s James Fegan and Josh Nelson reveal that the White Sox are considering Detroit Tigers bench coach George Lombard and Padres special assistant A.J. Ellis for the role. This comes after an underwhelming 80-82 finish and a need for fresh leadership in the dugout.
George Lombard, a former MLB player, has been in the coaching world for over a decade, most recently serving as Detroit’s bench coach since 2020. While he’s never held a permanent managerial position at the Major League level, Lombard has been on the radar before, interviewing for the Pirates and Tigers’ managerial openings in recent years. With his extensive coaching experience in the Red Sox and Dodgers organizations, Lombard offers a wealth of knowledge and leadership. Could he be the new voice Chicago is looking for?
On the other hand, A.J. Ellis, a former catcher and current special assistant with the Padres, is also in the mix. Though Ellis has no formal coaching or managerial experience, his reputation as a leader during his playing days is catching the attention of the White Sox front office. As Fegan notes, ex-catchers often make successful transitions to managerial roles, with Cleveland’s Stephen Vogt being a prime example.
Both Lombard and Ellis would bring something new to the White Sox, aligning with GM Chris Getz’s desire for a fresh perspective. While neither has ties to the White Sox organization, their resumes show potential for shaking things up in Chicago. The club is also considering other names, such as former Angels manager Phil Nevin, Rangers associate manager Will Venable, and Cardinals bench coach Daniel Descalso, while Grady Sizemore, the team’s interim manager, remains in the conversation.
With some postseason coaches still in the running, it’s clear that Chicago is casting a wide net in search of the right leader. Skip Schumaker, a favorite among insiders, is reportedly still in contention for the job as well.
Who do you think should be the next White Sox manager—Lombard, Ellis, or another candidate? Let us know your thoughts!
