MLB: Chicago White Sox fires vice president Kenny Williams and GM Rick Hahn as franchise admits it has been ‘very disappointing’ year

The Chicago White Sox has fired executive vice president Kenny Williams and senior vice president/general manager Rick Hahn.

In a statement posted Tuesday night, the White Sox opened what has been a “deeply disappointing” season for the franchise while announcing that Williams and Hahn have been relieved of their duties as a result.

“This is an incredibly difficult decision for me,” said chairman Jerry Reinsdorf, “because they are both talented individuals with long-standing relationships with the White Sox.

“Ken is like a son to me, and I will always consider him a member of my family. I would like to personally thank Ken and Rick for all they have done for the Chicago White Sox, winning the 2005 World Series and reaching the postseason several times during their tenure.

“I have nothing but the utmost respect for them as people and appreciate the commitment and passion for the White Sox they have exhibited over the years.

The Chicago White Sox have fired vice president Kenny Williams (left) and general manager Rick Hahn (right).

‘Ultimately, the cliché that top sport is result-oriented is true. While we have achieved successes as an organization and were optimistic as we head into the competitive period of this rebuild, this year has proven to be very disappointing on many levels for all of us.

“This has led me to the conclusion that the best decision for the further development of the organization is to make a change in the leadership of our baseball division.”

Chicago has a 49-76 record in 2023, placing them fourth in the AL Central heading into the closing stages of the campaign.

The organization is currently on the verge of recording one of its all-time worst seasons of 162 games, despite adding the likes of Lucas Giolito, Dylan Cease, Luis Robert and Eloy Jimenez to its ranks.

In Tuesday’s statement, the White Sox also pledged to begin the search for a “single decision maker to lead the baseball operations department” and fill the position by the end of the season.

Chicago has a miserable 49-76 record so far in 2023, placing them fourth in the AL Central

Williams was in his 11th season as executive vice president with the Sox, having previously served 12 seasons as general manager, leading them to the 2005 World Series championship and 2008 American League Central title as GM .

The 59-year-old also served as Chicago’s director of minor league operations from 1995 to 1996 and vice president of player development from 1997 to 2000.

Hahn, meanwhile, enjoyed 11 full seasons as general manager, leading the Sox to consecutive postseason appearances in 2020 as a wild card and 2021 as AL Central champion. Before that, he was assistant general manager for twelve years.