Tony La Russa has announced that he will not return to the White Sox in 2023

White Sox manager Tony La Russa issued a statement today, saying that he will not return to his position for 2023. His contract is valid for another year, but he has been dealing with health issues that have kept him out of the team since late August. Reports It emerged over the weekend that an announcement of this type would be coming today.

“Last February, I had a pacemaker and was allowed by my doctors to begin spring training as scheduled,” La Rossa said in a statement. “A periodic check of the device later revealed a problem. During a beating practice on August 30, I was notified of the problem, I was taken out of my uniform and tested by the doctors the next day, and the solution was to update the pacemaker in Arizona, and for me Not to return as director without medical clearance.

La Russa continues to identify a second, unspecified health issue diagnosed earlier in the year that he intended to address next season. “While I was inactive with the pacemaker, the second problem was analyzed. The result is that my medical team has developed a corrective plan and started implementing it. I reported this second problem to the White Sox while I was out of uniform taking the pacemaker. Anytime Of the times this season, none of it has negatively affected my responsibilities as a White Sox manager.However, it has become clear that the length of treatment and recovery for this second health issue makes it impossible for me to be a White Sox manager in 2023. The timing of this The announcement now enables the front office to include the manager position with their other off-season priorities.”

He then continued to express his disappointment with his performance this year but made it clear that he was not upset with the fans, even those who mocked him, because he understands their desire for the club to win. The White Sox is currently 79-80, and has been disqualified from the post-season competition after qualifying in the previous two seasons. In a press conference following the release of the statement, La Rosa said he has not yet discussed a different role with the organization because his health is his focus now, Daryl Van Schoen from the Chicago Sun-Times.

General Manager Rick Hahn also participated in the press conference, saying that discussions about the next manager have already begun, according to Van Schouwen (Twitter links). As for what they will look for in their next leader, Han says they would like someone with recent management experience and success. A pre-existing relationship with the organization is not a prerequisite, despite the manager’s representation Miguel Cairo You will receive an interview.

The Sox will compete with a handful of other clubs who will also be looking for new field chiefs for 2023. The Marlins and Don Mattingley have announced he won’t be back for next year, while the Blue Jays, Phillies, Angels and Rangers have all fired their managers mid-season here in 2022. It’s likely. That some of these clubs retain their temporary managers, with the Blue Jays Seemingly As a candidate to do so.

Regardless of who the White Sox takes to lead the dugout next season, they will have a very similar roster as La Russa this year. A lot of the club’s key players will still be under the club’s control next year, with the notable exception being the first base player Jose Abreu. However, the last time Abreu was close to free agency, he was re-signed to stay in Chicago and could possibly do the same again.

Of course, an organization can always make changes to the roster through the off-season, even though it can be financially crippling. The club set a franchise record last year with its opening day payroll of $129 million, but then smashed that here in 2022 by raising up to $193 million, according to figures from cradle baseball contracts. Next year’s expenses have been $121 million so far, according to an estimate by Jason Martinez of Roster Resource. However, this number does not include refereeing increases such as eligible players Lucas Giolito Or options for players like Tim AndersonNot to mention a potential new contract for Abreu. As such, Han says Van Schwinn The club is likely to be more active in the commercial market than in free agency this winter.