Phil Nevin Joins the White Sox as Special Assistant to Player Development

Phil Nevin is officially making his way to the Chicago White Sox, taking on the role of special assistant in their player development department. Initially, Nevin was one of the top three candidates for the managerial position, a role that ultimately went to Will Venable. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the White Sox are finalizing Nevin’s hiring, which is expected to be officially announced next month. This move marks a significant transition for Nevin, who has had a diverse career in Major League Baseball.

Over his impressive 12-season playing career from 1995 to 2006, Nevin showcased his talent with teams like the Astros, Tigers, Angels, Padres, Rangers, Cubs, and Twins. Following his playing days, he transitioned into coaching, spending time in the minor leagues with the Tigers and Diamondbacks. His ascent in coaching began with the Giants in 2017, where he served as the third base coach for one season before moving to the Yankees from 2018 to 2021. Nevin returned to the Angels in 2022 as their third base coach, stepping up as interim manager after Joe Maddon’s dismissal in June. Despite leading the Angels into the 2023 season, a lackluster performance led the organization to cut ties with him for 2024.

In the winter of 2023, Nevin was a contender for the Padres’ managerial position but ultimately lost to Mike Shildt. Additionally, he was considered a candidate for the Mets’ bench coach role, though it remains uncertain how seriously he was evaluated for that position, which eventually went to John Gibbons shortly thereafter. After sitting out the 2024 season, Nevin is now returning to a team environment, this time within the front office, where he can apply his extensive knowledge of the game.

While the full scope of Nevin’s responsibilities in his new role is not yet defined, reports indicate that he will be involved in amateur scouting for the upcoming MLB draft next summer. This task is particularly fitting for Nevin, given his history as a former first-overall pick, showcasing his expertise and insight into talent evaluation. His experience is expected to be invaluable as the White Sox look to build their roster for the future.