White Sox Finalize 2026 MLB Coaching Staff: A Blend of Continuity and Fresh Energy
The Chicago White Sox have officially locked in their full major league coaching staff for the 2026 season, and while the offseason buzz has largely centered around potential roster moves, this announcement gives fans a clearer look at the leadership shaping the next chapter on the South Side. With second-year manager Will Venable at the helm, the White Sox are doubling down on a mix of returning voices and new perspectives to guide a young, evolving roster.
Let’s break down the full staff and what each coach brings to the table as the White Sox look to build on last year’s 19-game improvement.
Will Venable - Manager
After a strong debut season in 2025, Will Venable returns for year two with momentum and a clearer vision. Venable’s first year in charge saw the White Sox take a significant step forward, not just in the win column but in the overall identity of the club.
He brought a modern approach to the dugout, blending analytics with player-first leadership. The challenge now?
Turning promise into sustained success. With a young core and a fresh staff around him, Venable has the chance to solidify his place as a long-term answer in Chicago.
Walker McKinven - Bench Coach
McKinven is back for his second season, and his role is expanding. Known for his analytical acumen and catcher development skills, McKinven was a key hire out of Milwaukee.
This season, he’ll take a more hands-on role with the team’s backstops, continuing to shape a foundational part of the team’s defensive identity. His presence in the dugout gives Venable a trusted voice and a sharp mind who understands the nuances of game-planning and in-game adjustments.
Zach Bove - Pitching Coach
Zach Bove steps in to replace Ethan Katz, and he arrives with a solid résumé. After two seasons with the Royals, where their pitching staff finished in the top ten both years, Bove now takes on the task of developing a promising but still unproven White Sox rotation.
Young arms like Shane Smith and Sean Burke will be front and center in his plans, along with top prospects Tanner McDougal, Noah Schultz, and Hagen Smith. Bove is known for being hands-on and detail-oriented-exactly what this group needs to take the next leap.
Bobby Hearn - Assistant Pitching Coach
At just 29 years old, Bobby Hearn is one of the youngest coaches on the staff, but don’t let the age fool you-he’s earned his shot. A former Wake Forest pitcher, Hearn comes over from the Twins organization after a brief but impactful coaching stint.
His background includes time at Davidson University, and he’s quickly built a reputation as a rising voice in pitching development circles. On a youthful White Sox team, Hearn’s energy and relatability could be a valuable asset.
Matt Wise - Bullpen Coach
Wise returns for his third season as the White Sox bullpen coach, continuing to work with a group that’s shown flashes of potential. A former big league reliever himself, Wise brings both experience and calm to the pen, where arms like Grant Taylor, Brandon Eisert, Jordan Leasure, and Mike Vasil are all looking to carve out consistent roles. His familiarity with the staff and steady hand will be key in bridging the gap between potential and production.
Derek Shomon - Hitting Coach
New to the South Side, Derek Shomon steps into the lead hitting coach role after a year as an assistant with the Marlins. Shomon’s coaching journey includes time with the Schaumburg Boomers and the Minnesota Twins, and he’s built a reputation for emphasizing pitch recognition and swing decisions-two areas the White Sox have targeted for improvement. His work with Kyle Stowers during a breakout 2025 campaign caught attention, and the Sox are hoping he can replicate that magic with their own young hitters.
Joel McKeithan - Assistant Hitting Coach
McKeithan returns for a second season in Chicago, now serving under Shomon after previously working with Marcus Thames. At 34, McKeithan already has lead hitting coach experience from his time with the Reds, giving this duo a nice balance of innovation and experience. His ability to connect with players and adjust on the fly should complement Shomon’s approach well.
Jose Leger - First Base Coach
This will be Leger’s first MLB coaching job, but he’s no stranger to the dugout. A longtime minor league manager with the Mets and Cardinals, Leger has worked with a wide range of players, including during Tim Tebow’s baseball experiment. His years of experience managing at different levels give him a strong foundation to work with base runners and infielders at the big league level.
Justin Jirschele - Third Base Coach
A familiar face in the organization, Jirschele is back for his second season as third base coach. He’s been with the White Sox in some capacity since his playing days, managing at every minor league level before reaching the majors in 2024. His deep knowledge of the system and rapport with players make him a valuable connector between the clubhouse and coaching staff.
Chris Denorfia - Major League Field Coordinator
Denorfia, a ten-year MLB veteran, joins the White Sox staff after building his post-playing résumé in both front office and minor league managerial roles. After retiring in 2015, he worked in the Cubs’ front office and later managed in the Rockies system. Now, he steps into a big league coaching role for the first time, bringing a player’s perspective and a well-rounded baseball mind to Venable’s staff.
Bennett Markinson & Luis Sierra - Bullpen Catchers
Markinson, just 22, is a former Harvard-Westlake and Northwestern player who had a brief stint with the Phillies before transitioning into coaching. He joins the White Sox in a support role that often flies under the radar but is essential to day-to-day pitching operations.
Sierra, meanwhile, is a familiar name in the White Sox family. He spent a decade in the organization as a player from 2005 to 2015. Though he never cracked the big leagues, Sierra brings a wealth of professional experience and returns in a role that keeps him close to the game he’s long been part of.
Tony Medina - Major League Assistant
Medina’s path to the majors has been winding but purposeful. A Cornell alum, he’s coached across the Royals and Rangers systems and made a stop with the Schaumburg Boomers in 2022.
Now, he steps into his first MLB staff role, filling the spot previously held by Grady Sizemore. His diverse background and steady climb through the coaching ranks make him a name to watch.
The Big Picture
With the 2026 coaching staff now set, the White Sox are leaning into a philosophy that blends development, data, and experience. There’s a clear emphasis on youth-not just on the field, but in the dugout-and a belief that this group can grow together. Venable’s leadership, paired with an intriguing mix of returning voices and fresh hires, sets the tone for what could be a pivotal year in the White Sox’s rebuild.
Now, it’s about translating that structure into results. The pieces are in place. The next step is execution.