White Sox Not Ruling Out Ozzie Guillen for Manager, Per Report

As the world turns, so does the rumor mill on the Chicago White Sox' next manager. MLB analyst Bruce Levine reports that the White Sox still may consider Ozzie Guillen.

“All I know from what I hear is he [Guillen] has not be ruled out,” Levine stated on 670 The Score. “Does that mean he’s the next manager of the White Sox? No. I’m just saying they are considering anybody and everybody.”

Guillen would welcome a return to the dugout and has stated so in the past. Most recently, he spoke strongly regarding his feelings about managing the White Sox. He made it clear that it is not in his plans. It does seem unlikely that Guillen would return because of how his previous tenure ended.

When Rick Hahn hosted his season-ending press conference, he laid out a very broad description of the type of candidate they are looking for. The former Sox' skipper checks off a lot of Hahn's criteria. Thus far, Hahn has stuck to his word based on reports regarding interviews and candidates that pique their interest.

Reports have stated that they interviewed Houston Astros' bench coach Joe Espada, and Pedro Grifol, who holds the same position with the Kansas City Royals. The Sox have also been linked to other former managers: Ron Washington, Bruce Bochy, Mike Shildt, and Joe Maddon. The sports betting website sportsbetting.ag has fluctuated their odds multiple times and all of the names mentioned except Grifol and Washington have at some point claimed the best odds.

“Proven winner. A guy that can get along with everybody,” Levine elaborated. “A guy that’s not afraid to get into a player’s face. And at the other, put his arm around him and welcome him to the clubhouse.”

Guillen is regarded as a manager who brings intensity to the dugout every day and expects the same of his players. He can be an authoritarian at times as well, something closer Liam Hendriks stated that the team needs. Guillen’s temperament and leadership style could be the shot in the arm that the Sox roster needs after a lifeless showing in 2022.

It’s worth noting that when the Chicago White Sox moved on from Rick Renteria in 2020, Rick Hahn specifically stated the club was not considering Ozzie Guillen. It will be interesting, to say the least, if Guillen stays in the running. But for now, the White Sox have not called.