White Sox hire former Rays exec Rodriguez as assistant GM

Venable: 'I anticipate there being a lot of moves here coming up'

8:16 PM UTC

CHICAGO -- Carlos Rodriguez has been named an assistant general manager with the White Sox, joining Josh Barfield and Jin Wong in similarly titled roles they have previously held in Chicago. They report to general manager Chris Getz, who has gone outside the organization to bring in all three executives.

Rodriguez joins the White Sox after 16 seasons (2010-25) with the Tampa Bay Rays, including the last six as a vice president. He was promoted to vice president, assistant general manager in November 2022 after serving as vice president of baseball operations in 2022 and vice president of player development and international scouting from 2019-21. He left the Rays at the end of the ‘25 season to pursue other opportunities.

“I’ve known Carlos for many years and have followed his career and impact within the Rays organization,” said Getz as part of the press release announcing Rodriguez. “He is an intelligent, thoughtful, and experienced leader who has contributed meaningfully across nearly every area of baseball operations. From Major League season support and research and development to international operations and the execution of a new stadium build, Carlos brings a broad, operationally diverse perspective that will strengthen the White Sox at every level.”

Over the last three seasons (2023-25), Rodriguez assisted in all areas of baseball operations, with a focus on the Major League roster, strategic initiatives and international operations. Previously, he oversaw player development and performance science, with the Rays’ farm system posting the best winning percentage in the Minors in both 2021 and 2022. In 2022, the organization’s domestic affiliates combined for a .604 winning percentage (361-237) and +634 run differential, both also tops in the Minors.

From 2015-19, Rodriguez served as director of international scouting after three years as director of Latin American scouting from 2012-14. He played a key role in scouting and signing notable players such as José Alvarado, Jonathan Aranda, Vidal Bruján, Genesis Cabrera, Diego Castillo, Yonny Chirinos, Ronaldo Hernández, René Pinto, Cristopher Sánchez and Jesús Sánchez.

MORE TO COME?
Manager Will Venable took time from his family vacation Friday afternoon to discuss the seven new hires for his coaching staff in Year 2 at the helm. Venable also was asked during the Zoom if he expected more White Sox personnel additions, whether it’s via free agent or trade, between now and Spring Training.

Getz has stressed a focus on developing the current core as key for the 2026 White Sox improvement. But he’s still trying to find ways to improve the team from outside the organization, as Venable reiterated Friday.

“Obviously with still a lot of time to go, it’s a day-to-day effort in improving our roster,” Venable said. “It is for every club across the league. I know that Getzie and the group are hard at work doing everything they can every day to improve us in whatever way they can.

“I anticipate there being a lot of moves here coming up. Just like there will be across the league, knowing there is so much time. But at the same time, we are really excited about the group we have.”

Venable spoke of the offseason communication and planning between the organization and the players as another key step in that development.

“There’s been a ton of great work between our coaching staff, between our development group, our players, a lot of communication, a lot of synergy and excitement in the progress guys have made this offseason,” Venable said. “We are staying tuned, but we are really focused on the group we have and getting better.”