(Chicago) The Chicago White Sox promoted Chris Getz to general manager on Thursday, opting for a member of the organization to fill the position nearly two decades after the team won its last playoff series.
Getz replaces Rick Hahn, who was fired by President Jerry Reinsdorf on Aug. 22 along with President of Baseball Operations Ken Williams. Williams was in his 11th season as the team’s vice-president, having served as general manager for 12 years. Hahn had been with the organization since 2002.
The White Sox have won three games in three playoff appearances since their World Series triumph in 2005. They had hoped to battle for a playoff berth this season, but were fourth in the All-American Central with a record of 53-81 following a 10-5 loss to the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday.
Getz, who celebrated his 40th birthday on Wednesday, was hired by the White Sox as director of player development in October 2016. He was promoted to assistant general manager in January 2021. He was also promoted to vice president on Thursday .
However, Getz has had ties to the team since his baseball days. He was drafted by the White Sox twice and spent the first two of his seven Major League seasons with the team.
Getz inherits the team as it struggles. Days after Williams and Hahn were fired, two women were injured in a shootout during a White Sox game at Guaranteed Rate Field. Police are investigating the incident, including whether the shots were fired inside or outside the team’s facilities.
There is also some uncertainty about the team’s long-term future at their south side home. Reinsdorf, who is 87, rarely speaks to the media.
