Miguel Cairo will be new White Sox manager Tony La Russa’s bench coach, a source said, confirming reports. Cairo, 46, joins pitching coach Ethan Katz as newcomers to a staff that likely will be finalized next week.
Cairo, a former infielder, served in Yankees player development the last three seasons, most recently as minor league field coordinator. He was previously an assistant to the general manager with the Reds for five seasons.
The Venezuela-born Cairo played for nine teams during a 17-year career, including the Cubs in 1997 and 2001 and for La Russa’s Cardinals from 2001-03 and 2007.
He gained some experience as a bench coach in 2013 when Reds third base coach Mark Berry was diagnosed with throat cancer and Reds bench coach Chris Speier assumed Berry’s duties. Cairo became interim bench coach for part of the season, under manager Dusty Baker.
Joe McEwing was the Sox’ bench coach the last four seasons. While hitting coach Frank Menechino, bullpen coach Curt Hasler and first base coach Daryl Boston are thought to be returning, it’s not known whether McEwing in another capacity will be back from former manager Rick Renteria’s staff. Pitching coach Don Cooper and third base coach Nick Capra will not return, and assistant hitting coach Scott Coolbaugh was hired as Tigers hitting coach.
