CHICAGO -- Robin Ventura's contract as manager of the White Sox ends Sunday with his team's last pitch against the Twins.
According to a USA Today report Wednesday, it's up to Ventura as to whether his tenure on the South Side continues. The story, citing an unnamed high-ranking White Sox official, stated that White Sox have decided to retain Ventura and will sign him to a new deal if Ventura wants to return.
General manager Rick Hahn, who is expected to meet with the media on Monday after the season ends, did not comment on the report.
Ventura is completing his fifth season at the helm of the White Sox and has a 373-432 record. The White Sox finished over .500 in 2012 and stood atop the American League Central for 117 days, ultimately unable to hold the lead in September that year. Unless the team wins out, it will finish with its fourth-straight losing season.
Ventura was aware of the story but pushed away numerous questions on his future.
"I appreciate all the concern, but like I've said all year long, I'm waiting until the end of the year," Ventura said. "Rick and I always have discussions, but I'm waiting until the end of the year. 
"I'm not going to get into it, but I've always felt, especially this year, that I'm going to wait until the end of the year. That's just the way I like to do it."
This season has been an interesting one for Ventura. The team raced out to a 23-10 start and held a six-game lead atop the American League Central on May 9, only to fall out of contention shortly after the All-Star break.
There also was Adam LaRoche's unexpected retirement during Spring Training, and the Chris Sale jersey issue later in the season. Ventura was asked Wednesday if there was a part of him that doesn't want to deal with this sort of aggravation again.
"Every job is aggravating. And every job is enjoyable," Ventura said. "The game of baseball is enjoyable and it's hard and it's gut-wrenching, all those things. Every year has that. Every year you go through that."
Adam Eaton hopes he'll return.
"I've always enjoyed Robin. I've always backed Robin. I think he's a tremendous manager, people person, communicator," the White Sox outfielder said. "I've enjoyed my time with him. I'd welcome him back. I'd love to have him back, but at the end of the day, it's up to the higher ups."