Phil Nevin, the former manager of the Los Angeles Angels, has emerged as a candidate for the Chicago White Sox managerial position as they search for a long-term replacement for interim manager Grady Sizemore. Nevin is familiar with several members of the White Sox coaching staff, having previously worked with hitting coach Marcus Thames, assistant pitching coach Matt Wise, and catching coach Drew Butera during his time with the Angels.
Nevin’s potential move to Chicago would reunite him with coaches who have remained on the White Sox staff amid the team’s coaching overhaul following a disappointing 2024 season. While the White Sox fired several key coaches, including manager Pedro Grifol and bench coach Charlie Montoyo, Thames, Wise, and Butera were retained, giving Nevin some continuity should he take over the managerial role.
Nevin’s connection to Thames is particularly noteworthy, as they share a close friendship dating back to their time with the Yankees, which could strengthen his candidacy for the White Sox job. However, despite these relationships, the question remains whether the White Sox will want to rely heavily on coaches from the 2023 Angels team, which underperformed despite having Shohei Ohtani leading the league in bWAR.
Nevin’s overall managerial record with the Angels was 119-149, following his promotion to replace Joe Maddon during the 2022 season. While his performance has been mixed, his familiarity with the coaching staff and major league experience could give him an edge as the White Sox consider their options heading into the 2025 season.
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