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Chicago Tribune
2 days ago
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
Column: Despite some setbacks, the Chicago White Sox rebuild finally is looking up
There's no disputing the Chicago White Sox have shown improvement over one year ago. The Sox were 28-89 on Aug. 8, 2024, the day general manager Chris Getz finally pulled the trigger on manager Pedro Grifol, mercifully ending a reign that sent the rebuild backward. They began Friday's game against the Cleveland Guardians at 42-73, which isn't much to brag about but still a 15-game improvement over '24. The offense is starting to click, the bullpen has been effective and the Sox showed an unwillingness to accept mediocrity Friday when they demoted starter Jonathan Cannon to Triple-A Charlotte instead of letting him figure it out at the major-league level. So have the Sox turned the corner, or maybe just a corner? 'I'd say a corner,' Getz said before Friday's game. 'We're not there yet. We've got a lot of work ahead of us. Most importantly, we're playing well right now, and we're going to look for ways to add to this club and find ways to beat our opponent. … Yeah, we're certainly not there yet, but we feel like we're heading in the right direction.' There was really only one direction to go after last year's record-setting 121-loss season, but the point was made. The team's core prospects — Colson Montgomery, Kyle Teel, Chase Meidroth and Edgar Quero and minor-league outfielder Braden Montgomery — have given Sox fans reason for optimism, along with the rise of Lenyn Sosa as a productive hitter. The future rotation remains a question with Cannon dropping down, but Shane Smith figures to be part of it, along with top prospects Noah Schultz and Hagen Smith, who've been challenged by injuries and will be sent to the Arizona Fall League after the season. If the Sox can finish strong, it might convince ownership to increase the already miniscule payroll and add some quality free agents in 2026. OK, that's a little far-fetched. It's the heat talking. Getz confirmed it was 'too soon' to think about potential offseason free-agents additions. 'We've got essentially two months of baseball left, and a lot of these players are getting through their first full seasons at the major-league level,' he said. 'Some of them, first full season in a White Sox uniform. And we're getting a pretty good idea of what they're capable of doing. But in regards to shaping the roster, I think we need a little bit more time. But we're definitely going to look for opportunities to add to this club.' Expect the same old bargain-bin signings until the Justin Ishbia era gets rolling. One player from the old core could be sticking around too. The Sox kept Luis Robert Jr. at the trade deadline instead of dealing him for next to nothing just to move on. That means they'll either pick up his $20 million option for 2026 or let their best player leave for nothing. Now that Robert is hitting, it's a no-brainer to bring him back, if only to go through the same thing again next trade deadline. 'I'm glad we didn't cut bait considering how productive he's been since the All-Star break,' Getz said, citing Robert's recent stats as evidence of his revival without answering whether the option would be picked up. 'When he's playing well, the team is seemingly playing well and we are getting wins,' Getz continued. 'He's a guy we like having in this organization and we are planning on having him part of the future.' That would counter the analysis of former White Sox GM Rick Hahn, who told MLB Network that Robert has known for the last 'year-plus that he's a short-term guy in Chicago.' 'When you know you're not really part of the future, it makes it a little harder to come to the park every day and give your best, where he's going to be different in a new (environment),' Hahn said. Robert has been one of the keys to the post-All-Star run. They were 10-4 in their first 14 games until a four-game skid that started in Los Angeles against the Angels. The Sox might not be as good as Chicago Sports Network's Dan Plesac seems to think, but there is more reason for optimism than any time in the last four seasons. Now Sox fans are getting upset again when they lose games they should win, which is progress after the Grifol era, during which they grew to expect something awful would happen. Will Venable has done a commendable job in his first season, but if he can keep them over .500 in the second half we'll know the rebuild is starting to turn the corner. A 33-32 record over the final 65 games would leave them with a 65-97 record, a 24-game improvement over '24. Tyler Alexander will take Cannon's spot, though he might be a 'bulk' pitcher coming in after an opener. Veteran Martin Perez, who made a rehab start for Double-A Birmingham on Friday, figures to be up before the end of the month. Developing the core is important, but watching the players figure out how to win those close games they usually lose might be the only way to sell this team for 2026. They entered Friday with a 9-25 record in one-run games, including Thursday's tough, extra-inning loss in Seattle, where they went 1-for-17 with runners in scoring position. But games like that are still going to happen. A nice three-week stretch doesn't change the fact the Sox are on pace for 103 losses, but when was the last time they even had a decent three-week stretch? 'We're in a period where we're getting some wins and we're feeling good and the vibes are solid,' Getz said. 'Guys are excited to show up, and they know they have a chance to win every night.'
Chicago Tribune
01-08-2025
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
3 things to watch in August for the Chicago White Sox, who are on the verge of passing last year's win total
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.
Forbes
01-08-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
White Sox Won't Dump Robert, Hoping He'll Rebuild His Trade Value
The old saying instructs us that if you don't succeed, try, try and try again. But in regards to getting a strong return in trading Luis Robert Jr., Chris Getz is adding a fourth verb to the bromide. The White Sox general manager is willing to try, try, try and try again. For the third consecutive trading period, Getz wouldn't take yes for an answer when he had chances to trade the 27-year-old center field. Rarely has an executive ever shown the kind of patience that Getz is displaying with the 2023 All-Star and Silver Slugger winner, who has diminished his trade value by hitting .219 with a .656 OPS since the start of '24. Robert was at his worst in the first month of this season, hitting .138 with two home runs and 30 strikeouts in his first 23 games. While he's looked more like himself since then (.241 with a .713 OPS, nine homers and 20 stolen bases), his .653 OPS represents a career low. There was a belief heading into Thursday's trade deadline that Robert would be dealt for the best offer, as this is the final guaranteed year in the $50 million deal he signed before his rookie season. But Getz knew something that few others did. He has the backing of ownership to pick up a $20 million option for next season, extending the effort to trade him. It began in the middle of the 121-loss season in '24 and continued through the off-season leading into '25. Now he'll cross his fingers that Robert can ride his team's encouraging wave of run-production through August and September, improving his value for this winter's marketplace. The hope is Robert will have broad appeal given his contract still has two years of control for $40 million, with an acquiring team owing only $22 million guaranteed. A trade for Robert could seem quite attractive to teams that opt to look beyond Kyle Tucker, Kyle Schwarber and the seemingly always available Cody Bellinger. While Getz's decision to hang onto Robert seemed to catch analysts off guard, there's almost no financial pressure on the second-year GM. The White Sox have only $35.7 million in guaranteed contracts on the books beyond this season. Almost all of it belongs to left fielder Andrew Benintendi, who is another possible piece for the off-season trade market. Getz told reporters there was 'an effort to acquire him, but certainly it wasn't to the level we felt like could have met the mark for us to make a move on from a talent like Luis Robert.' The Sox are 8-4 since the All-Star break, and Getz credits Robert for contributing 'a lot' of the momentum toward avoiding a third consecutive 100-loss season. He's hitting .406 with two homers, five stolen bases and as many walks as strikeouts (five) in his last nine games. Fragile health is always part of the Robert narrative, and it's possible his missing three recent games with a tight adductor muscle led some interested teams to look elsewhere. Robert had been on the radar for the Mets, Phillies and Padres but those teams traded for Cedric Mullins, Harrison Bader and Ramon Laureano, respectively. Robert has played more than 100 games only once in the previous four seasons. He's played in 88 of 109 this season, putting him on pace for 131. Getz would love him to exceed that total. The White Sox did make a trade with upside shortly before the 6 p.m. ET deadline, sending consistently solid starting pitcher Adrian Houser to Tampa Bay for a package of prospects headed by bat-first utility man Curtis Mead. The 24-year-old Australian had been a top-50 MLB prospect before slipping through the cracks with the talent-rich Rays. That was a nice return for Houser, whom the Sox signed in May after he was released by Texas. Notably Getz held onto his deep batch of controllable pitchers who have emerged this season. Grant Taylor, who was Paul Skenes' wing man at LSU, drew the most interest in the group that includes Brandon Eisert, Mike Vasil, Shane Smith, Sean Burke and Jordan Leasure. The Sox also held onto starter Aaron Civale, acquired from Milwaukee in June. That hints he may be a candidate for a contract extension, keeping him off the free agent market.
Reuters
01-08-2025
- Sport
- Reuters
White Sox aim to match 2024 win total in series opener at Angels
August 1 - The Chicago White Sox head into Game 110 of the season on Friday night in Anaheim, Calif., with an opportunity to match their win total for the entire 2024 campaign. Of course, Chicago's 41-121 finish last season featured the most losses in modern major league history. The White Sox finished an eye-popping 51 1/2 games behind the first-place Cleveland Guardians in the American League Central. Chicago, with a 40-69 record, will open a six-game road trip with a three-game set against the Los Angeles Angels. The White Sox's record includes an impressive 8-4 run since the All-Star break that featured a three-game series sweep of the Pirates in Pittsburgh and winning two of three games from both Tampa Bay and Philadelphia. The lone series the White Sox lost came against the crosstown rival Cubs. Still, the rebuilding project is going well enough that Chicago didn't trade 2023 All-Star outfielder Luis Robert Jr. at Thursday's deadline, as many had expected. Although the White Sox did ship starter Adrian Houser, who was 6-2 with a 2.10 ERA in 11 starts, to Tampa Bay at the deadline for infielder Curtis Mead. Outfielder Austin Slater went to the Yankees for pitching prospect Gage Ziehl on Wednesday. "We didn't match up, but I'm really excited having Luis Robert in the lineup tomorrow," Chicago vice president and general manager Chris Getz told the Chicago Sun-Times. "We really value having Luis Robert being part of this." "There's a lot of noise out there throughout the year, certainly the (trade) deadline is a distraction, and these guys have done a great job of staying focused," manager Will Venable said following a 9-3 victory over the Phillies on Wednesday. Four of the White Sox top young prospects -- catcher/designated hitter Kyle Teel, catcher Edgar Quero, and infielders Colson Montgomery and Miguel Vargas -- homered in the win. Vargas and Overo both hit three-run shots to highlight a seven-run seventh inning to break the game open. Robert Jr., who has a 1.094 OPS since the All-Star break, went 3-for-4 with a stolen base and a run and also made several key defensive plays. "We have a lot of talent, but we also have a lot of fight," the 23-year-old Teel said. Chicago hasn't announced a starter for Friday night's opener, but All-Star right-hander Shane Smith (3-7, 4.26 ERA), out since July 17 with a left ankle sprain, is expected to be activated on Friday. Los Angeles also held on to its key pieces -- including reliever Kenley Jansen, outfielder Taylor Ward, third baseman Yoan Moncada and left-handed starter Tyler Anderson -- at the trade deadline. The Angels, who took two of three games from the Texas Rangers before the deadline, are just 4 1/2 games out of the final wild-card spot in the American League. "We're obviously really competitive," Angels general manager Perry Minasian said. "I wanted to keep this group together." Anderson (2-6, 4.41 ERA), who is 0-2 with an 8.50 ERA in four career starts against the White Sox, will start Friday's opener for the Angels. He is 0-6 in 17 starts since winning his last game on April 18 against San Francisco. Outfielder Mike Trout, the lone remaining player from the last Angels team to make the playoffs, in 2014, needs just three more home runs to become the 59th player in major league history to reach 400 for his career. He is batting .235 with 19 home runs and 47 RBIs this season. "I've been saying this since Day One, we've got a tight group in here," Trout told "We play for each other. There's been some good games, some bad games, but we turn the page quick, and we pull for each other." Los Angeles opened the season at Chicago and won the final two games of the three-game series. --Field Level Media
Yahoo
27-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
The change that produced a surprise 1.89 ERA trade candidate for White Sox
The post The change that produced a surprise 1.89 ERA trade candidate for White Sox appeared first on ClutchPoints. Things might still be painful for the Chicago White Sox, as 2025 has been almost as rough as 2024. GM Chris Getz is in the second year of the team's rebuild, while Will Venable is in the midst of his first season as manager. One of the key parts of making this rebuild work is finding veteran contributors to help contribute and build up their trade value. In the midst of a career season, starting pitcher Adrian Houser is one of those contributors. A couple of key offseason changes have helped Houser unlock this next level, according to the Athletic's Ken Rosenthal. 'During the offseason, Houser made a significant mechanical change to his backside at Pitching WRX in Oklahoma City, getting more into his hamstring and glutes rather than his quads,' wrote Rosenthal. ''I was probably three pitches into an offseason bullpen and they noticed it immediately,' he said. He also made greater use of the cold tub and adjusted his eating habits, adopting what he called the 'carnivorish' diet — mostly red meat, but on occasion chicken or fish as well.' Houser's adjustments have certainly helped the 32-year-old. After starting his career with the Milwaukee Brewers, Houser bounced around with a couple of teams last season before the offseason tweaks. Now, since joining Chicago on a one-year deal in May, he could be moved to a postseason contender. What could the White Sox get in return for his services? White Sox could trade Adrian Houser to help with rebuild Despite the career season, Houser still profiles as more of a back-end starter. For a lot of contenders, they need the innings. If Houser can go out and give a team at least five to six innings almost every time he takes the mound, then someone will trade for him. Teams like the New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers and more are hunting for starting pitching help as MLB's trade deadline approaches. Houser is just one of a few trade candidates that Getz could move. This season has shown improvement, which is especially encouraging given the relationships that Venable and his coaching staff has built with this young roster. Would trading Houser help further this rebuild? If he can, then don't be surprised to see the veteran starter elsewhere in a few days' time. Related: MLB rumors: White Sox swatted away 2 'aggressive' Luis Robert Jr. trade attempts Related: White Sox rumors: The player 'likely' to be traded, and it's not Luis Robert Jr.
