The Chicago White Sox have been working to find their new manager for a while now, and it appears they are zeroing in on a decision.

According to ESPN’s Jesse Rogers, the team is “getting closer” to finalizing their choice. Rogers also mentioned that two candidates were excluded from the race: Clayton McCullough, who is the first base coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers, and AJ Ellis, a special assistant. with the San Diego Padres.

Major League Baseball insider Jon Heyman of the New York Post said Ellis walked away from the White Sox managerial search on his own, citing family reasons. Ellis expressed gratitude for the team’s interest and praised the White Sox front office, showing appreciation for the opportunity despite the ultimate decision to opt out.

Ellis, a seasoned MLB veteran with 11 years of playing experience, was an interesting but unconventional option for the White Sox role, primarily because he has not held an executive or coaching position at any time. professional level.

After hanging up his cleats, Ellis took on a special assistant role in San Diegowhere he worked closely with AJ Preller’s front office team, primarily focusing on player development. That backdrop would have been a solid choice for a team like the White Sox, who, after a brutal 121-loss season, appear ready to prioritize rebuilding around young talent.

With Ellis and McCullough no longer in the running, attention turns to the new frontrunners for the White Sox management role.

According to Heyman, the organization is particularly interested in Rangers bench coach and former Padres outfielder Will Venable, Tigers bench coach George Lombard and former Angels manager Phil Nevin. Heyman added that Venable has long been admired by Chris Getz, making him a candidate to watch as the team narrows down its options.

The White Sox are in desperate need of a fresh start after a disastrous 2024 season, which saw them set a modern-era franchise record with 121 losses. Mid-season, the team made a big change by letting go of manager Pedro Grifol and appointing Grady Sizemore as interim manager, hoping to stabilize things as they look toward a brighter future.

Sizemore would still be in the running for the job.

Whoever Chicago chooses as their next manager, the goal will be clear: climb out of the depths after a historically difficult season.