Many possibilities to consider if manager Tony La Russa doesn’t return to White Sox

SAN DIEGO — There are six games left in the White Sox’ season, none of which will be managed by Tony La Russa.

But La Russa, who turns 78 on Tuesday, has one year left on his contract. It stands to reason, however, that he won’t return for 2023 after being forced to give up his managerial duties Aug. 30 for medical reasons related to his pacemaker. General manager Rick Hahn could offer clarity on La Russa’s future as early as next week.

A source close to La Russa and chairman Jerry Reinsdorf said he expects Reinsdorf to give La Russa the option of coming back but also will encourage him not to do so for his own personal good.

After winning the American League Central in 2021 in La Russa’s first season after Reinsdorf brought him out of retirement, the Sox have suffered through a catastrophic 2022, not only failing to make the playoffs but threatening not even to finish .500. Such results ordinarily would put a manager under fire, considering the organization’s World Series aspirations.

It seems best for all involved to turn the page. But La Russa’s Hall of Fame résumé and friendship with Reinsdorf casts his future in a unique light. Also, should La Russa not return, it’s not known how much influence Reinsdorf will exert on the choice to replace him — as he did with La Russa — or whether he would hand the decision to Hahn (in collaboration with vice president Ken Williams).

Should the Sox make a change and bring in their fourth manager in eight years and third in the last four, here is a list of potential candidates with connections to the organization and from the outside.

Sox-connected

Willie Harris. The Cubs’ third-base coach played on the Sox’ 2005 World Series team and coached in their farm system. Harris, 44, interviewed for the job before La Russa was hired.

A.J. Pierzynski. A face of the 2005 Sox, a fan favorite and a Fox broadcaster, Pierzynski, 45, has no coaching experience but has a high baseball IQ, personality and an edge. He has expressed a desire to manage.

Ozzie Guillen. The 2005 manager’s popularity has surged with his entertaining and pointed pregame and postgame work, and he probably would jump at a second opportunity. Reinsdorf has recommended him for other jobs but said in 2017 that Guillen, 58, ‘‘can’t come back here.’’

Chris Getz. A bit of a long shot, the assistant GM in charge of player development has no managerial experience but is considered a bright mind who knows the organization inside and out. Getz, 39, hasn’t ruled out interest when asked about the possibility.

Miguel Cairo. The Sox’ bench coach, 48, deserves consideration after taking over for La Russa under challenging circumstances and guiding the team to a 13-6 record before its recent slide.

No Sox ties

Bruce Bochy. The three-time World Series champ with 25 years of managerial experience retired after 2019 but is managing France in the qualifying rounds of the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Bochy, 67, is regarded as a top manager in the game.

Joe Girardi. If major-league experience is a top qualification, Girardi, 57, makes the cut with 14 seasons, including a World Series title in 2009 with the Yankees. But he was fired by the Phillies in June.

Joe Maddon. Maddon, 68, seems not to be overly eager to return to the dugout after getting fired by Angels this season, and it’s hard to see him blending in with the Sox’ management team. But his résumé is hard to match.

Mike Shildt. The Padres’ third-base coach, 54, led the Cardinals to three consecutive playoff berths but was fired after last season, to the surprise of many.

Joe Espada. Espada, 47, has served as the Astros’ bench coach for A.J. Hinch, whom Hahn wanted to hire two years ago, and Dusty Baker. He interviewed for the Cubs’ managerial job when David Ross was hired.