Will Venable’s First Season at the Helm: Building a Foundation on the South Side

Will Venable walked into one of the most daunting situations in Major League Baseball this past season – taking over a White Sox team fresh off a 121-loss campaign. That’s not just a rebuild; that’s a reset button slammed with both fists.

But from day one, Venable made it clear: this wasn’t about quick fixes or flashy turnarounds. This was about laying bricks, one by one, for a long-term foundation.

And while the win-loss column didn’t scream success, the signs of growth were there – subtle, maybe, but meaningful.

A Manager Who Knows the Assignment

Venable didn’t come in trying to sell false hope. He understood the assignment: develop talent, create structure, and establish a culture that could support sustainable success.

The White Sox weren’t built to contend in 2025. They were built to grow, and Venable leaned into that with patience and purpose.

He gave young players room to breathe – and to stumble. He emphasized consistency in approach, both on the field and in the clubhouse.

And perhaps most importantly, he didn’t panic when things got tough. That kind of steadiness matters in a rebuild, especially when the losses pile up and the noise gets loud.

Signs of Life on the Field

Let’s be clear: this team still had its struggles. The offense never quite clicked, and there were moments – particularly with bullpen management – where Venable’s inexperience showed.

That’s to be expected in a first-year manager. But there were also tangible improvements.

The White Sox played more disciplined baseball. Situational execution – something that plagued them in recent years – took a step forward.

And while the roster was still limited in talent and depth, the team improved in some key areas: 19 more wins than the year before, 140 more runs scored, and 32 more home runs. That’s not nothing.

That’s progress.

Even more telling was the shift in tone around the clubhouse. Veterans spoke out about improved communication.

The mood was different – steadier, more focused. Venable’s even-keeled approach helped quiet the chaos that had surrounded the franchise.

That alone is a win in a season where the standings didn’t offer many.

Culture First, Wins Later

It’s easy to overlook cultural change in a sport driven by numbers, but for a team trying to climb out of a deep hole, it’s the first step. The White Sox didn’t just need better players – they needed a better environment. One where expectations are clear, accountability is shared, and young talent can grow without being crushed by the weight of past failures.

Venable brought that. He didn’t promise miracles, but he delivered direction. And for a franchise that’s spent the past few seasons searching for identity, that matters.

What Comes Next

Now comes the harder part.

Year one was about stabilizing. Year two?

That’s about building momentum. The White Sox have more young talent coming, and the roster will continue to evolve.

But the expectations will start to shift. Fans have seen the groundwork – now they want results.

That doesn’t mean 90 wins or a playoff push just yet. But it does mean more consistency, more competitive games, and more signs that the rebuild is moving in the right direction. For Venable, it’s a chance to show he’s not just a caretaker of a rebuilding team – he’s the guy who can lead it forward.

The foundation’s been laid. The culture is changing. And for the first time in a while, there’s a sense that the White Sox have a plan – and a manager who’s fully bought in.

Now it’s about turning that plan into progress.