In a move that underscores the Chicago White Sox‘s commitment to rebuilding after a dismal 2024 season, manager Will Venable announced that Walker McKinven will join the club as the new bench coach. McKinven, who spent several years with the Milwaukee Brewers, brings a wealth of experience in coaching, scouting, and player development to a team in desperate need of fresh leadership and a new direction.
McKinven’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for the White Sox, who are in the midst of a full organizational overhaul following a historic 121-loss season. With the firing of manager Pedro Grifol and three coaches mid-season, the White Sox have already made significant changes to their staff in a bid to turn the page on a disastrous campaign. Venable’s hiring as the new manager is the first step in that transformation, and McKinven’s arrival as bench coach signals a clear intent to reshape the team’s culture and approach.
McKinven’s Background: A Track Record of Success with the Brewers
Walker McKinven’s reputation in the baseball world is built on years of success with the Milwaukee Brewers, where he wore many hats over the years. Most recently, he served as the Brewers’ run prevention coordinator, a role that placed him at the forefront of their efforts to maximize pitching and defensive performance. In a team widely regarded as one of the best in the majors when it comes to defensive efficiency, McKinven’s experience in this area will be invaluable as the White Sox look to strengthen their own defensive metrics.
One of McKinven’s most notable contributions in Milwaukee was his involvement in the development of catchers, a role that ties directly into the Brewers’ reputation for improving defensive players at that position. A prime example of his influence was the turnaround of catcher William Contreras. Known as a below-average defender with the Atlanta Braves (-11 Defensive Runs Saved in 2022), Contreras was a major question mark when he was traded to Milwaukee in 2023. However, under the Brewers’ tutelage, Contreras transformed into one of the most improved defensive catchers in the league, finishing 2024 with a +11 DRS rating.
The Brewers’ ability to transform struggling defenders into reliable contributors is well-documented, and McKinven’s direct involvement in that success speaks to his potential impact on the White Sox, particularly in areas like defensive alignment, run prevention, and developing a deeper understanding of game planning.
A Major Shift for the White Sox
For the White Sox, McKinven’s hiring represents another step in a broader strategy to reshape the team’s approach to baseball. After the tumultuous 2024 season, which saw them set a modern-day record with 121 losses, it’s clear that a culture shift was necessary. The club’s organizational changes started early, with the mid-season firing of manager Pedro Grifol and the dismissal of three other coaches, including bench coach Charlie Montoyo. To finish out the season, Grady Sizemore took over as interim manager, with Doug Sisson stepping in as the interim bench coach.
Now, with Venable officially taking over as manager, the White Sox are looking to revitalize not only their roster but their entire coaching staff. The addition of McKinven as bench coach is a strategic move designed to bring in new ideas and approaches that could lead to better results in 2025 and beyond.
What McKinven Brings to the Bench
As bench coach, McKinven will be expected to play a significant role in daily game management, working closely with Venable to implement strategies on the field. His experience in scouting, combined with his understanding of how to optimize defensive performance, gives him the potential to be a key voice in shaping how the White Sox approach each game.
McKinven’s background in run prevention should also help the White Sox address one of their most glaring weaknesses: defense. The team has been known for its inconsistency in this area, and the hope is that McKinven can bring a more structured, focused approach to both the fielding and pitching sides of the ball. He’ll also likely help in improving player development, particularly in terms of defensive fundamentals, and might work with the White Sox’s young pitching staff to maximize their potential.
While McKinven isn’t stepping into a situation with a roster ready to contend for a title, his pedigree in developing players and helping improve key aspects of team play could be just what the White Sox need as they begin to rebuild.
The White Sox’s Path Forward
The decision to bring in McKinven is just one part of the White Sox’s broader strategy to retool for the future. The hiring of Will Venable as manager signals a move away from the status quo, and with McKinven joining the coaching staff, the team is clearly focused on putting together a group of coaches who can make an immediate impact.
Chicago’s front office will likely continue to make moves throughout the offseason, as they look to build a roster that can be competitive in the AL Central once again. While it may take time for the White Sox to fully turn things around, adding a coach like McKinven, who has a track record of success in crucial areas like defense and game planning, could be one of the smartest moves they make.
In a time of transition, the White Sox are showing that they are committed to improving every facet of their organization. With McKinven on board, they’re hoping that the pieces start falling into place, and that a culture of success begins to take root.
