Although it wasn’t necessarily an assumption that Tony La Russa’s 2021 return to the managerial seat was going to be a one-year thing, it also hasn’t been made explicit yet that the 77-year-old would be back in 2022 to lead the White Sox. Even at the season-ending presser after the White Sox’s swift playoff exit, La Russa left things open-ended, and said it was up to management and the players to want him back.
Well, everyone (with a say) apparently wants him back, because it’ll be the La Russa Show again next year:
Tony La Russa, 77, is set to return as Chicago White Sox manager in 2022: ‘We’re making plans, talking about next year, absolutely’ https://t.co/Cvs7vGbqWb
— Paul Sullivan (@PWSullivan) October 28, 2021
Again, not a surprise, but since it wasn’t a lock – and since I don’t know that fans were all that impressed by La Russa – it’s still notable. No additional managerial opening around baseball, and another year of La Russa saying and doing bizarre things (and arguably being something the players have to overcome).
At least he probably won’t have Craig Kimbrel back to mismanage. Decline the option, White Sox, or pick it up and trade him.