Ventura announces he won't return as White Sox manager

Robin Ventura's time in Chicago has come to an end.

After five seasons as manager of the White Sox, Ventura announced Sunday he will not return to the team next season. Bench coach and former Chicago Cubs manager Rick Renteria is reportedly the favorite to replace Ventura. A press conference is scheduled for Monday.

After Sunday's 6-3 loss to the Minnesota Twins, Ventura told reporters, "I enjoy this place, love this place. It needs a new voice."

The White Sox were believed to be interested in extending Ventura's contract if the 49-year-old bench boss was willing to return.

Despite the team missing the playoffs for the eighth straight season, outfielder Adam Eaton offered up his support of Ventura as manager.

"He has been awesome to me, and I think everybody in here would agree with that," Eaton said, according to Colleen Kane of the Chicago Tribune.

"I think I speak for everyone when I say that. Within the clubhouse and within these walls, he has been tremendous. Communication, instilling confidence in guys and at the same token, saying what needs to be said in certain instances, I think he had a great balance."

Under Ventura, the White Sox managed only one winning season - when he was hired in 2012, they won 85 games. Since then, they've finished below .500 for the past four years. He leaves his post with an overall record of 374-435 for Chicago.