The Chicago White Sox are looking for a fresh start, leaving behind a difficult season. General Manager Chris Getz and Manager Will Venable see a team in a much better position and expect significant progress.
A Promising Future
With spring training approaching, the team is confident in building on the progress shown last season. “I think we’re going to take a significant step forward,” Getz affirmed. Venable also feels a positive momentum around the franchise. “It’s significant,” Venable said. “And the way we feel about it and the way people talk about it, it’s real and it’s something that I think we’re excited about.” Getz and Venable spoke before this weekend’s fan festival. They were at a Boys & Girls Club a few blocks from Rate Field, where the White Sox donated $125,000 for a visual and performing arts space. They will soon be in Glendale, Arizona, for the start of spring training, with pitchers and catchers having their first workout on February 10. After finishing with an 81-81 record in 2022, the White Sox have had three consecutive seasons with over 100 losses. In Venable’s first season, the team had a record of 60-102 and finished last in the American League Central Division. However, there was a 19-win improvement from 2024, when they had a record of 41-121. With a promising group of young players, including shortstop Colson Montgomery, catcher Kyle Teel, and infielder Chase Meidroth, the team hopes to advance. Getz commented on the experience gained by the young players and the opportunity that will be given to them.Venable emphasized the need to “embrace” the highest expectations. “My job is to say: ‘This is what we have to do to get there'”, he added.They’ve been through this, and that added experience will only give us a little bit of an edge going into the season, gain a little more confidence, and then, of course, we’ll welcome some new players into the organization when spring training comes.
Chris Getz
Key Moves in the Offseason
The White Sox made several moves in the offseason in the hope of reaching a new level. The signing of Japanese batter Munetaka Murakami in December and the transfer of center fielder Luis Robert Jr. stood out. The team acquired speedy infielder Luisangel Acuña and minor league pitcher Truman Pauley in that deal. In addition, Chicago used some of the salary flexibility obtained in the Robert trade to sign right-handed pitcher Seranthony Domínguez to a two-year, $20 million contract. Domínguez, 31, debuted with Philadelphia in 2018. He has 40 saves and an ERA of 3.50 in 322 games with the Phillies, Baltimore and Toronto. He is expected to be the White Sox closer. Domínguez pitched for the Orioles and the Blue Jays last year, with a 4-4 record, a 3.16 ERA, and two saves in 67 games. He was traded to Toronto on July 29. Domínguez has played in the playoffs the last four years. He appeared in 12 postseason games for Toronto, helping the Blue Jays win the American League championship before losing to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series. He also pitched in the World Series for Philadelphia in 2022, when the Phillies lost to Houston.He’s eager to get back to the playoffs and I don’t think he knows anything other than the playoffs. In the last five years he’s pitched in the playoffs, he’s pitched in two World Series. He has a lot of experience, not just as an average guy, but in big games. I think that’s going to help our group of young guys as they continue to find their way and the routines they need to implement.
Will Venable
