Will Venable has guided the Chicago White Sox through a remarkable turnaround since taking over as the team’s manager in October 2024. Once a franchise struggling through a modern-era low of 121 losses, the White Sox clinched a series victory over the Houston Astros on Wednesday to advance to the American League Division Series (ALDS), marking their first playoff series win since 2005.

Venable, previously an associate manager with the Texas Rangers and considered a potential successor to Bruce Bochy, was met with skepticism when he accepted the role. The Rangers—who he declined to interview with again before joining Chicago—are now out of postseason contention, while Venable has earned growing recognition and appears poised to be a strong candidate for the AL Manager of the Year Award.

General manager Chris Getz emphasized Venable’s steady leadership and cultural influence as key factors in the team’s success. “He saw the vision and has been rewarded in his second year,” Getz said, noting Venable’s role in shaping the White Sox’s operational overhaul from the clubhouse to the front office.

From his first days on the job, Venable engaged in broader organizational changes, including advanced scouting and workload monitoring, contributing to a wholesale revamp. On the field, he implemented a hybrid approach combining traditional small-ball tactics with power hitting, resulting in innovative strategies such as using an opener a major-league-high 31 times and frequently employing pinch-hitters.

The season saw moments of both challenge and triumph. Venable faced criticism for pitching decisions, including a notable incident where a second mound visit early in a game forced the removal of his starter in the first inning. Still, the team’s resilience was on full display, as young players developed under his guidance and embraced their roles.

Shortstop Colson Montgomery, who set a major league strikeout record this season but also hit a home run on an 0-2 count in the ALDS, praised Venable’s supportive leadership, highlighting their candid conversations beyond baseball. “Will’s the man,” Montgomery said.

Venable’s nine-year career as a player, characterized by perseverance rather than star accolades, informs his empathetic approach to managing a young roster. “I understand what it’s like to struggle,” Venable said. “That’s the first part—being able to communicate I understand what that feels like.”

Pitcher Sean Burke and other teammates have noted Venable’s willingness to let players express their personalities within the team’s framework. This cultural openness has fostered a sense of belief, evident in Andrew Benintendi’s remarks upon clinching the playoff berth: “We are dumb enough to think we can win it. So, why not?”

Chicago improved by 19 wins in Venable’s first year, following a previous season with 102 losses, and then added another 24 wins this season. This back-to-back improvement of at least 19 games in full seasons is a feat matched only by managers Miller Huggins and John McGraw in the early 20th century. No team in modern baseball history has rebounded from consecutive 100-loss seasons to reach the playoffs until now.

Reflecting on the team’s progress, Venable expressed pride in the fans and everyone involved with White Sox baseball. “To see the growth and have the fans be a part of this, it makes me happy for everyone,” he said.

As the White Sox prepare to face the Cleveland Guardians in the ALDS, Venable’s rapid impact underscores the potential for sustained success in Chicago’s rebuilding project.