3 things to watch in August for the Chicago White Sox, who are on the verge of passing last year's win total

Chicago Tribune

4 days ago

ANAHEIM, Calif. — The trade deadline had just passed.
And fresh off winning two of three against the playoff-contending Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago White Sox general manager Chris Getz couldn't wait to see his team return to the field.
'In the last year and a half as general manager here, I've never been more excited to come into the ballpark,' Getz said on a video conference Thursday. 'You go into a game knowing you have a chance to win.
'There's a lot that goes into winning baseball games. We've got more pieces than we have in the past that can help us win ballgames.'
After a day off Thursday, the Sox returned to action with the first of three games at Angel Stadium against the Los Angeles Angels. They ended July on a strong note, winning eight of 12 after the All-Star break.
'Offensively it's really come alive, and a lot of that is Luis Robert,' Getz said. 'That has an influence throughout the lineup. There's more action on the basepaths when he gets on base, and obviously there's different ways to get on base. He's taken his walks and he's driving the baseball and wreaking havoc on the bases.
'And I think that has really helped, whether it be Kyle Teel and (Edgar) Quero and (Colson) Montgomery, more opportunities to drive in runs.'
While there was interest from other teams, the Sox held on to Robert at the deadline. They did make two deals Wednesday and Thursday, sending outfielder Austin Slater to the New York Yankees and pitcher Adrian Houser to the Tampa Bay Rays.
With the trades complete, here are three things to watch for the Sox in August.
The Sox won only 41 games in 2024 while setting a modern-day MLB record with 121 losses. They got their 40th win of 2025 with Wednesday's 9-3 victory against the Phillies.
The Sox didn't win their 40th game last year until Sept. 28. No. 41 came the next day in the season finale.
The Sox entered Friday with a 40-69 record and were in last place in the American League Central — 11½ games behind the fourth-place Minnesota Twins and 23½ behind the division-leading Detroit Tigers.
But they have made improvements. And Getz said the second-half success begins at the plate.
'Hitting the fastball has really opened up the possibilities for us offensively, and we've been able to score more runs,' he said. 'So I'd say that stands out the most.
'There's been some really good pitching performances. Our bullpen has become much more reliable, and Grant Taylor is a big part of that. We've been able to have pitchers settle into more roles that perhaps are more suitable for their skill set. So I think (the) bullpen, starters and our offense are to credit.'
Getz highlighted the development of rookies Teel, Quero and Montgomery. All three homered Wednesday.
'These young players that are performing well,' he said. 'And you look at Colson Montgomery and where things were not too long ago (pressing pause at Triple A to work on his swing at the club's Arizona facility) to what he's doing is remarkable.
'But you look at Kyle Teel and Edgar Quero, just watching what they did (Wednesday). We scratch Adrian Houser (from his scheduled start) and we still come out with a win. That's not an easy thing to do, and that speaks to the roster we have and the creativity of our staff.
'So just to go into games on a regular basis and knowing that we've got a chance to win that night, (that) there's a pathway to win — (manager) Will (Venable) refers to it as a pathway to victory — that makes it a lot of fun.'
While the Sox roster remained largely intact after the deadline, the Twins dealt nearly 40% of their roster. The Sox will see the Twins in late August at Rate Field.
The Sox played just one AL Central foe in July, dropping three of four to the Cleveland Guardians right before the All-Star break.
They'll see all four divisional rivals this month, beginning with the Guardians on Aug. 8-10 at Rate Field. The homestand also includes three games against the Tigers (Aug. 11-13). The Sox then head to Kansas City for a three-game series against the Royals (Aug. 15-17).
The Twins visit Rate Field on Aug. 22-24, followed by the Royals on Aug. 25-27.
The Sox are 7-20 against the AL Central this season.
The Sox have to tweak their rotation after the Houser trade.
'Losing Adrian Houser and what he brings in the rotation is not easy to plug, both the production and the innings,' Getz said. 'But Martín Pérez is going on a rehab (assignment, with his first outing for Triple-A Charlotte scheduled for Saturday) and certainly can be helpful down the final stretch, and then you look at Shane Smith, who's about to return in Anaheim.
'But we also know we're probably going to tap into some players we have in the minor leagues as well.'
Sox starters and relievers could be facing some MVP-type challenges this month.
After the three games in Anaheim, the Sox visit Seattle, where Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh is having a phenomenal season. He leads the majors with 42 home runs and 88 RBIs.
New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge — currently on the injured list with a flexor strain in his right elbow — is second in the AL in both categories with 37 home runs and 85 RBIs and is tops in just about every other department, including batting average (.342), on-base percentage (.449) and slugging (.711).
The Yankees visit Rate Field on Aug. 28-31.
After a 12-13 July, Getz is eagerly anticipating what's ahead for the Sox.
'These next two months I think are going to be exciting,' he said.