Well, it was probably only a matter of time. So why not do it now and get it out of the way? That seemed to be the Chicago White Sox's theory when it came to manager Pedro Grifol.
So the White Sox fired Grifol after the team tied the American League losing streak this month at 21 straight.
Granted, it likely wasn't all Grifol's fault. An MLB meltdown like that deserves teamwide blame — from ownership to baseball operations to the players themselves. But it's the manager who always gets the blame.
"As we all recognize, our team's performance this season has been disappointing on many levels," White Sox general manager Chris Getz said in a statement. "Despite the on-field struggles and lack of success, we appreciate the effort and professionalism Pedro and the staff brought to the ballpark every day. These two seasons have been very challenging. Unfortunately, the results were not there, and a change is necessary as we look to our future and the development of a new energy around the team."
The White Sox added that they will hire a new manager at the end of the season. Anyone who is hired before that will be given the "interim" tag.
Per Jesse Rogers of ESPN:
"The White Sox entered Thursday with the worst record in the majors at 28-89 and are two days removed from snapping Major League Baseball's longest losing streak since 1988, when the Baltimore Orioles also lost 21 in a row.
"... Grifol, 54, was hired in November 2022 after Tony La Russa stepped down for health reasons. He promised a sharp brand of baseball but never delivered, as the White Sox went backward under his tutelage — especially last season when the team was fielding a more competitive roster. Chicago finished 89-190 under Grifol."
For the first time in franchise history, the White Sox are destined to lose 100 games in consecutive seasons.
