Chad Pinder’s Next Chapter: Former A’s Utility Man to Manage White Sox High-A Team

The Chicago White Sox are ushering in a fresh perspective in their player development ranks, as their High-A affiliate, the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers, has announced that former Oakland Athletics utility player Chad Pinder will serve as their manager in 2025. The hire marks a significant milestone for Pinder, who retired from professional baseball in 2023.

MLB.com’s Martín Gallegos captured the sentiment perfectly, noting on social media, “Bob Melvin always said Chad Pinder would be a manager one day. The premonition has come true.”

A Player Turned Leader

At just 32 years old, Pinder is one of the youngest managerial hires in recent memory. His playing career, while not star-studded, was impactful. A key contributor to the Athletics’ playoff teams from 2018-2020, Pinder carved out a niche as a versatile player who could fill in anywhere on the diamond.

His breakout season came in 2018 when he posted a 115 wRC+ and accumulated 1.9 fWAR over 110 games. Despite battling injuries and seeing his production dip in later years, Pinder remained a valuable clubhouse presence, beloved by teammates like Matt Olson, Matt Chapman, and Khris Davis.

The Transition from Player to Mentor

Pinder’s retirement in 2023 was the result of deep reflection. He told Brodie Brazil on the A’s pregame show that he always envisioned stepping away when he felt he could make a bigger impact off the field than on it. Despite finding minor league success in his final stint with the Gwinnett Stripers, Pinder realized his “why” was at home with his wife and kids.

“It wasn’t as hard as you think,” Pinder said of his decision to retire, demonstrating the clarity and purpose that likely made him a natural choice for a managerial role.

Since retiring, Pinder has remained active in the baseball world, working with the Ballengee Group and attending alumni events for the A’s, including during their 2024 farewell season in Oakland.

A Perfect Fit for the Cannon Ballers

Pinder’s experience as a versatile player who maximized his opportunities will undoubtedly resonate with the young talent he will be managing in Kannapolis. He knows what it takes to succeed in the grind of the minor leagues and can impart lessons not just about baseball mechanics, but also about clubhouse dynamics and team chemistry.

During his interview with Brazil, Pinder spoke fondly of the camaraderie he experienced in the A’s clubhouse, a dynamic he hopes to foster with the Cannon Ballers. “That love for the clubhouse environment and the relationships you build will be something I carry into this next phase of my career,” he hinted.

A New Beginning for Pinder and the White Sox

While Pinder may not have been a household name during his MLB career, his impact as a mentor and leader in the minors could be significant. His story of perseverance, adaptability, and self-awareness is one that many young players can draw inspiration from as they navigate their own journeys.

For the White Sox, this hire represents a commitment to developing talent not only on the field but also in fostering a winning culture within their organization. As Chad Pinder steps into the manager’s role with the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers, all eyes will be on how his experience translates into shaping the next generation of Chicago White Sox stars.