White Sox expand scope and add second Rangers coach to managerial search

The managerial carousel is in full swing, and things will only get more complex as winter inches closer.

According to a recent report, the Chicago White Sox have been giving permission to interview Texas Rangers associate manager Will Venable and bench coach Donnie Ecker for their open manager position.

Venable was confirmed to be a target last week. Further, he was also pursued by the New York Mets last offseason. Although Venable turned New York down at the time and is widely considered to be Bruce Bochy’s eventual replacement, it is worth wondering if the White Sox could lure him away from Arlington.

The 41-year-old California native has coached for several squads in different capacities and his status as a former player could be enticing for a club like Chicago who is looking to build a new culture from scratch.

White Sox expand scope and add second Rangers coach to managerial search

Donnie Ecker is an interesting option with a slightly different background. Unlike Venable, Ecker never made it to the big leagues as a player. The now 38-year-old spent four seasons in the minors coming out of Long Beach State.

He later worked as a high school coach before eventually working with the Saint Louis Cardinals, Los Angeles Angels, Cincinnati Reds, and San Francisco Giants in various capacities.

He only made it as a major league coach in 2019 with the Reds before working for the Giants and Rangers. Ecker’s path has been a complicated one, but he has now put himself in an advantageous position.

If he were to remain in Arlington, it is possible that he could take over for Bochy when the time is right. This is especially feasible if Venable were to chase another opportunity this offseason.

The White Sox lost an MLB-record 121 games in 2024, and are in desperate need of a strong manager. Both Venable and Ecker have been around winning environments. They each bring unique experiences that could aid a young team trying to establish new standards.

It remains to be seen if either would leave Texas for the Windy City, but fans should be encouraged that two of the Rangers’ coaches have become such sought after assets.