Stassi, 32, missed the entirety of the 2023 season to deal with a serious family issue. He also left the team during spring training to deal with a hip injury.

He spent the first six seasons of his career on the Houston Astros. Between 2019-22, Stassi played for the Los Angeles Angels. In 2022, Stassi played 102 games, hitting .180 with a .571 OPS.

He’s a wall behind the plate. Stassi saved 10 defensive runs in 2021, keeping up a positive value over his career in that category.

The White Sox are without Yasmani Grandal, who plans to explore his options in free agency. They called up Korey Lee, who they acquired from the Houston Astros in exchange for Kendall Graveman.

Click here to follow the White Sox Talk Podcast.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

That’s a difficult move to make. White Sox general manager Chris Getz said as much at the MLB Winter Meetings. But he also wasn’t close-minded to the idea, however.

“Luis Robert is a very difficult player to move and expect that your club is going to get better because of it,” Getz said. “That being said, there might be a club out there that is willing to offer something that you feel can help you immediately and in the long term.

“But we’re talking about one of the best players in baseball, and we’re very fortunate to have him with the Chicago White Sox. So I have a tough time seeing him wearing another uniform next year.”

New reports show the odds of the White Sox trading Robert Jr. are diminishing. Jon Heyman shut down the speculation.

Still, it appears the White Sox are willing to part with anyone on their roster. Dylan Cease is expected by some to be moved this offseason. He’s still under club control for two more seasons and had a career season two years ago.

One prominent voice in the MLB stratosphere, Jon Morosi, told NBC Sports Chicago’s Chuck Garfien earlier this offseason he could see the White Sox moving Robert Jr. before the season.

“I could see anybody [on the White Sox] getting traded,” Morosi said. “When you underachieve by the magnitude that they did, I have a hard time saying these players are untouchable.

“They’re all obviously good major league players, but the composition of them did not work. The whole was much lesser than the sum of the parts for the White Sox in 2023. And when you have that kind of a team, you should have nothing that says these players are off limits.

He also suggested that trading Robert Jr. would allow the White Sox to build their team up more quickly.

“Look at the Twins three or four years ago,” he said. “There was very little indication that they were going to be as good as they are right now, and I think it’s important to keep an eye on those types of clubs and how quickly you can get better.”

Robert Jr., 26, is young and valuable enough to believe he could last the in White Sox’ competitive window. What does that window look like? That remains to be seen following the offseason.

But Robert Jr. has been one of the few spotlights in what the White Sox admit have been a dark couple of seasons between 2022 and 2023. Should the White Sox rid Robert Jr. after flourishing during that time?

In 243 games between the last two seasons, Robert Jr. hit .272 with an impressive .811 OPS. He recorded 50 home runs and 136 RBIs to his name in that time frame, too.

Not to mention, he’s one of the more prolific defenders in the game. His ability to track and hawk the ball in center field is unprecedented. As Getz said, it would take an offer that would have to help the White Sox immediately and in the long term, promisingly, to move off Robert Jr.

Alas, that thought seems short-lived now, according to Heyman.

Click here to follow the White Sox Talk Podcast.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

They’re open ears and willing to deal the right-hander, but they’re not hard-pressed to move him immediately.

“We’re in a position of leverage, because I don’t think we have to trade Cease,” White Sox assistant general manager Josh Barfield said at the Winter Meetings. “It’s nice, you know. We have two years of control and he’s a really, really good pitcher who definitely helps us next year. At the same time, we’ve got to be smart and we’ve got to listen to everything.

“If we make a move, if we don’t, we’re just going to be patient and wait for the right one.”

That’s why, according to Jon Heyman, the White Sox are “pulling back” on trading Cease. They’re waiting for coveted, Japanese star pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto and other blue chip free agents to sign first before dealing Cease. That way, they can maximize his value in a scarcer pitching market.

From a broader perspective, Shohei Ohtani’s decision will likely ease the log jam in MLB free agency, too. The MLB Winter Meetings, which finished on Wednesday, were uncharacteristically quiet. That’s part of the reason the White Sox don’t feel pressured to move Cease.

That doesn’t mean, however, that they didn’t have conversations about Cease’s availability during the meetings. WSCR’s Bruce Levine reported a deal the White Sox asked from the Reds for Cease.

This hypothetical deal would yield the White Sox the No. 2, 6, 9 and 11 prospects in the Reds’ robust farm system; their farm system ranked fifth in the league from MLB.com’s standings.

Rhett Lowder and Chase Petty are both considered future starters in the big leagues. Carlos Jorge (No. 9) is expected to take his time in the minor league systems, but become a four-tool second baseman. Sammy Stafura (No. 11) is supposed to make a smooth transition into a major league shortstop, too.

That’s a healthy command for Cease, who seemingly doesn’t fit the team’s competitive window if they continue to dismantle the roster and bolster their farm system. And if it’s not the Reds, surely, there will be other interested suitors with plenty to offer.

The White Sox are handling Cease’s situation intelligently. Without Yamamoto, Ohtani, or the other blue chip starters in the free agent market, the White Sox are dangling their ace in front of starter-hungry teams for a healthy price. You can never have too much pitching and there’s a chance contenders start to get desperate without a blue chip piece.

The question is — can Chris Getz and the White Sox execute and maximize Cease’s value? Remember, he came back down to Earth in 2023 after a stellar 2022. Last season, he finished with a suboptimal 4.58 ERA. Stay tuned.

Click here to follow the White Sox Talk Podcast.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

Drohan, 24, pitched at two levels in 2023, posting a 5.05 ERA in 27 appearances between Double-A Portland and Triple-A Worcester in Boston’s minor league system. He struck out 129 batters in 123 innings and was used primarily as a starter, making 25 total starts between the two teams.

Originally, he was a fifth-round pick of the Red Sox in the 2020 MLB Draft out of Florida State.

Under MLB rules, the White Sox will pay the Red Sox $100,000 for Drohan’s rights. He will be assigned to the team’s 26-man roster and would need to be placed on waivers to be removed from the roster during the 2024 season.
If he were to clear waivers, he would be offered back to the Red Sox for $50,000.

“It’s an opportunity to take a shot at an arm that we feel has a potential to have some survival skills at the major league level, to begin with, and long term with a little bit of upside that could potentially be a rotation piece or a reliever of some sort,” White Sox Chris Getz said of Drohan at the Winter Meetings.

Click here to follow the White Sox Talk Podcast.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

The team is locked into a lease at Guaranteed Rate Field for at least the next five seasons, but beyond that, other options could be on the table, including moving to another location in the city, or even moving elsewhere.

On Wednesday, the White Sox confirmed that team owner Jerry Reinsdorf, who is in Nashville for baseball’s winter meetings, met with Mayor Freddie O’Connell. That news had first been reported by Politico’s Shia Kapos earlier Wednesday.

The team did not confirm what the two had discussed during the meeting, but there have been rumblings this year about the White Sox, as well as other MLB teams, looking at Nashville as a potential option for a stadium.

In early August, Crain’s Chicago Business reported that the White Sox would consider moving out of Guaranteed Rate Field, as their lease expires at the conclusion of the 2028 season.

While the White Sox have said that no specific conversations have taken place, Crain’s also reported that the club would consider multiple options, including moving to Nashville.

“We have not had any conversations about our lease situation,” team spokesman Scott Reifert told Crain’s. “With six years remaining, it is naturally nearing a time where discussions should begin to take place. The conversations would be with the city, ISFA and the state, and most likely would be about vision, opportunities and the future.”

Currently, the White Sox pay rent to the state of Illinois for usage of Guaranteed Rate Field. The state of Illinois is responsible for “capital repairs” within the ballpark, according to terms of that lease.

State taxpayers owe $50 million on the bonds used to construct the stadium, and those funds still need to be retired.

The lease is set to expire following the conclusion of the 2028 season, and as a result, the White Sox are reportedly exploring their options when it comes to their future home.

In August, USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported that the White Sox would consider a retractable-roof ballpark within the city, and that they could consider options outside of the South Side.

Nightengale’s report indicated that the team could potentially take a look at sites near the United Center, where the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks play. Jerry Reinsdorf also owns the Bulls, and could look to move the Sox to the West Side.

Another potential option? Soldier Field, as the White Sox will reportedly keep tabs on what ends up happening with the Chicago Bears as they mull their options for their future home.

The Bears have purchased land in Arlington Heights, with the intention of building a stadium there. However, the Bears have remained in communication with the city of Chicago about potentially remaining at Soldier Field in some capacity, and as a result, the White Sox could even look to move to Arlington Heights if the Bears decide to remain within city limits.

The stove heated up so quickly that Jon Morosi believed the right-handed pitcher would be traded before the Winter Meetings commenced in Nashville. Bob Nightengale told NBC Sports Chicago’s Chuck Garfien he believes there is a “90 percent chance” Cease would be traded.

On Wednesday, we got an insight into what one of those trades for Cease looks like, courtesy of Bruce Levine.

We knew the asking price for Cease would be high. And why shouldn’t it? Yes, Cease returned to Earth in 2023 after a flawless 2022 season that saw him finish with a 2.20 ERA and the second-most AL votes for the Cy Young award.

But, as Levine mentioned, he has two more seasons under club control and has firmly set his ceiling on the mound. If you’re a contending team looking for a boost in starting pitching, Cease should rank near the top of the list.

As such, the White Sox believe they stand in a “position of leverage” in any transaction for Cease. They’re not sold on moving him immediately. So any offer they field for their ace should be enticing.

“We’re in a position of leverage, because I don’t think we have to trade Cease,” White Sox assistant general manager Josh Barfield said at the Winter Meetings. “It’s nice, you know. We have two years of control and he’s a really, really good pitcher who definitely helps us next year. At the same time, we’ve got to be smart and we’ve got to listen to everything.

“If we make a move, if we don’t, we’re just going to be patient and wait for the right one.”

The deal the White Sox reportedly pitched to the Reds feels like a stellar win. If agreed upon, the White Sox would receive the No. 2, 6, 9 and 11 prospects in the Reds’ robust farm system; their farm system ranked fifth in the league from MLB.com’s standings.

Lowder and Petty are both considered future starters in the big leagues. Carlos Jorge (No. 9) is expected to take his time in the minor league systems, but become a four-tool second baseman. Sammy Stafura (No. 11) is supposed to make a smooth transition into a major league shortstop, too.

That’s a healthy command for Cease, who seemingly doesn’t fit the team’s competitive window if they continue to dismantle the roster and bolster their farm system. And if it’s not the Reds, surely, there will be other interested suitors with plenty to offer.

Morosi told Garfien in a separate interview the Atlanta Braves are an option, even though recent reporting would suggest they’re out on Cease. The Baltimore Orioles and Los Angeles Dodgers are possible landing spots, too. He also said the San Francisco Giants could get involved if they fail to land Shohei Ohtani or Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

The favorite, in Morosi’s eyes? The Orioles.

“Their farm system is so good, and their need for pitching is so clear that I think that Dylan Cease to Baltimore is where I’m going to predict that winds up. It makes sense on paper for a number of reasons,” he said.

The starting pitcher market is healthy. It will likely dictate the trade offers the White Sox receive for Cease. Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell and Aaron Nola lead the charge.

Cease is still a blue chip package next to those names. But their signings will certainly have an impact on his trade market. Stay tuned.

Click here to follow the White Sox Talk Podcast.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

The move drew quick reservations, as Fedde has notoriously performed poorly over his career with the Washington Nationals. Although, he rejuvenated his career in the KBO in Korea during his 2023 campaign.

In 30 total starts, Fedde posted a 20-6 record with a 2.00 ERA, striking out 209 batters in 1801.1 innings, winning the KBO’s Most Valuable Player Award for his efforts with the NC Dinos.

What’s more, White Sox senior pitching advisor Brian Bannister added some wrinkles to his game that aren’t listed on the scouting report.

In parts of six MLB seasons, Fedde has a 21-33 record with a 5.41 ERA, appearing in a total of 102 games.

It is expected that Fedde will join the White Sox rotation for the 2024 season.

Click here to follow the White Sox Talk Podcast.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

Some even suggested a deal could’ve been done before the Winter Meetings. Bob Nightengale told NBC Sports Chicago’s Chuck Garfien in late November he believes there’s a “90 percent chance” the Sox trade Cease.

From the White Sox perspective, they feel comfortable about Cease’s market. They believe they hold the upper hand in any trade negotiations for the right-hander since they aren’t steadfast on moving him.

“We’re in a position of leverage, because I don’t think we have to trade Cease,” White Sox assistant general manager Josh Barfield said at the Winter Meetings. “It’s nice, you know. We have two years of control and he’s a really, really good pitcher who definitely helps us next year. At the same time, we’ve got to be smart and we’ve got to listen to everything.

“If we make a move, if we don’t, we’re just going to be patient and wait for the right one.”

Cease, 27, has spent the entirety of his five-year career in the major leagues with the White Sox. Originally drafted by the Chicago Cubs, they traded him and Eloy Jiménez to the South Side in exchange for Jose Quintana.

In 2019, Cease immediately became a starter in the White Sox starting rotation. He climbed to stupendous success in 2022, earning second place voting for the Cy Young award from a season he finished with a 2.20 ERA and a blistering 227 strikeouts.

He came back down to Earth in 2023, finishing the year with a 4.58 ERA from 33 starts and 177 innings pitched. Still, his ceiling is firmly set as a top pitcher in the league. His slider and knuckle curveball are detrimental to opposing batters and his durability is admirable.

The White Sox have Cease under club control for two more seasons. Last season, they settled on a one-year deal worth $5.7 million in arbitration. This season, he’s expected to yield somewhere around $8 million, according to Spotrac’s estimates.

Along with the Atlanta Braves, who are looking to bring the hometown Cease back to the south, MLB insider Jon Morosi told Garfien in a separate interview the Cincinnati Reds, Baltimore Orioles and Los Angeles Dodgers are possible landing spots for Cease. He also said the San Francisco Giants could get involved if they fail to land Shohei Ohtani or Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

The favorite, in Morosi’s eyes? The Orioles.

“Their farm system is so good, and their need for pitching is so clear that I think that Dylan Cease to Baltimore is where I’m going to predict that winds up. It makes sense on paper for a number of reasons,” he said.

If Cease is, in fact, traded from the White Sox this season, it sounds like the front office is promising a winning return in exchange for the right-handed ace.

Click here to follow the White Sox Talk Podcast.

MLB held its second annual draft lottery Tuesday to determine the order for the first 18 picks, and despite entering with the fourth-best odds at 14.7%, the team slipped one spot to No. 5.

The Cleveland Guardians, on the other hand, will pick first. The Central Division foe had entered the lottery with a 2.0% chance at jumping from No. 9 to No. 1 in the order.

The White Sox are also hit with a double-whammy of bad news, as they won’t be able to pick in the lottery slots in 2025 because they don’t receive money in MLB’s revenue-sharing plan.

Such “large-market teams” cannot pick in the lottery in consecutive years under MLB rules, and due to that rule, the White Sox will be able to pick no higher than 10th in 2025.

The White Sox would still keep their draft slots in each successive round of that draft, as those rounds are all based on a team’s record.

How does the MLB Draft Lottery work?

The top six picks in the MLB Draft are set by the lottery.

All non-playoff teams have a chance to receive a top-six pick, with odds decreasing as you move up the standings. The odds for the three worst teams are identical, a rule that was made to discourage tanking.

Once the top six picks are determined, the remaining non-playoff teams will ordered by inverse standings (worst remaining non-playoff team gets the No. 7 pick, best remaining non-playoff team gets the No. 18 pick). Playoff teams are ordered by when they were eliminated.

Here are the full lottery results and the subsequent draft order for 2024.

Click here to follow the Under Center Podcast.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Fedde has signed a two-year, $15 million contract with the White Sox:

Fedde previously pitched for the Washington Nationals before signing in the KBO League in Korea for the 2023 campaign.

In 30 total starts, Fedde posted a 20-6 record with a 2.00 ERA, striking out 209 batters in 1801.1 innings, winning the KBO’s Most Valuable Player Award for his efforts with the NC Dinos.

In parts of six MLB seasons, Fedde has a 21-33 record with a 5.41 ERA, appearing in a total of 102 games.

It is expected that Fedde will join the White Sox rotation for the 2024 season.

Click here to follow the White Sox Talk Podcast.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

In fact, White Sox GM Chris Getz said as much Monday at the Winter Meetings in Nashville, Tennessee.

“Luis Robert is a very difficult player to move and expect that your club is going to get better because of it,” Getz said. “That being said, there might be a club out there that is willing to offer something that you feel can help you immediately and in the long term.

“But we’re talking about one of the best players in baseball, and we’re very fortunate to have him with the Chicago White Sox. So I have a tough time seeing him wearing another uniform next year.”

This is in step with reporting from USA Today’s Bob Nightengale that the White Sox are open to trading every player on the roster except for one — Robert Jr.

Another insider, however, is pushing back on the notion that the All-Star Slugger is off the market.

In an interview with NBC Sports Chicago’s Chuck Garfien, MLB Network’s Jon Morosi said he would not be surprised to see the White Sox move Robert Jr. this offseason.

“I could see anybody [on the White Sox] getting traded,” Morosi said. “When you underachieve by the magnitude that they did, I have a hard time saying these players are untouchable.

“They’re all obviously good major league players, but the composition of them did not work. The whole was much lesser than the sum of the parts for the White Sox in 2023. And when you have that kind of a team, you should have nothing that says these players are off limits.

He also suggested that trading Robert Jr. would allow the White Sox to build their team up more quickly.

“Look at the Twins three or four years ago,” he said. “There was very little indication that they were going to be as good as they are right now, and I think it’s important to keep an eye on those types of clubs and how quickly you can get better.”

Luis Robert Jr. is under team control until 2027, so any package the White Sox would get in return would be monstrous.

With Dylan Cease presumably gone, a deal for Robert Jr. would likely require a parcel of young studs on the mound. Morosi pointed to the Mariners as a logical trade partner.

“The Mariners have the kind of pitching that the White Sox want,” he said. “Bryce Miller, Bryan Woo — if it’s Robert, you would even have to think about Logan Gilbert. That’s the place to go for pitching.”

Listen to the full interview with Morosi on the “White Sox Talk Podcast” here.

Click here to follow the White Sox Talk Podcast.

In an interview with NBC Sports Chicago’s Chuck Garfien, MLB Network’s Jon Morosi said that the odds are “heavily in favor” of Cease being dealt by the White Sox as they look to rebuild their roster.

“There’s a very strong chance Dylan Cease does get traded, whether it happens this week or next week or the following week. I would say that the odds are heavily in favor of Cease being moved,” he said. “One of the quickest ways you can (reshape the roster) is by trading a controllable starting pitcher.”

Along with the Atlanta Braves, who are looking to bring the hometown Cease back to the south, Morosi also mentioned the Cincinnati Reds, Baltimore Orioles and Los Angeles Dodgers as possible landing spots for Cease, and said that the San Francisco Giants could get involved if they fail to land Shohei Ohtani or Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

The favorite, in Morosi’s eyes? The Orioles.

“Their farm system is so good, and their need for pitching is so clear that I think that Dylan Cease to Baltimore is where I’m going to predict that winds up. It makes sense on paper for a number of reason,” he said.

As for what the return could be for Cease, Morosi says that the expectation is that the team can get two top-100 prospects for the pitcher, given that he has multiple years of team control left and has a reputation for being able to make regular lengthy starts.

After finishing as the Cy Young runner-up in 2022, Cease struggled at times in the 2023 season, with a 7-9 record and a 4.58 ERA in 33 starts for the South Siders.

Cease is arbitration-eligible this offseason, and won’t be a free agent until the conclusion of the 2025 season. He is expected to make around $8.3 million, according to projections from Spotrac.

Click here to follow the White Sox Talk Podcast.

The Atlanta Braves opted to trade him, along with four other players, to the White Sox in exchange for left-handed reliever Aaron Bummer. Lopez found out about the life-altering trade in a very intimate environment.

“We were at rehearsal dinner [for his wedding],” Lopez told Chuck Garfien on the White Sox Talk podcast. “We were in Palm Springs. We haven’t eaten yet, we’re taking pictures on a really nice back patio. I think someone was holding my phone, taking pictures of me and my family. It was one of my friends back home and he turned it and said ‘You should probably answer this’ and on the top of my phone was ‘Alex Anthopoulos’ the GM of the Braves.

“I kinda knew tender day was coming. We had been talking with the Braves about whether we were gonna get tendered or whether we were gonna get traded. Those two directions are good. You never want to hear non-tender, obviously.”

That’s when Anthopoulus informed Lopez he would be going to his hometown team, the Chicago White Sox.

What did Lopez do with the news?

“At that time I’m like ‘Well, I’m getting married tomorrow.’ But also I’m pumped because I get to go play in front of my hometown friends. I remember just nonchalantly walking back to the dinner table and being like ‘Yeah, I got traded, but here we go!'” Lopez said.

And the next day, Lopez got married to his longtime girlfriend, Sydney. That’s a rollercoaster 24 hours.

He wouldn’t be heading to the White Sox alone, however. The White Sox also acquired four of Lopez’s teammates from the Braves, including Mike Soroka, Jared Shuster, Riley Gowens and Braden Shewmake.

Lopez will join a newly minted middle infield including Paul DeJong at shortstop. The White Sox signed DeJong to a one-year deal on Nov. 21, cementing their next shortstop after declining Tim Anderson’s club option for the 2024 season.

As aforementioned, Lopez is a Bolingbrook native. He attended Naperville Central High School before attending Creighton University to play college baseball. He was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the fifth round in the 2016 MLB draft.

Over his career, Lopez is hitting .249 with a .630 OPS. He’s a defensive stud, saving eight defensive runs over his career at second base. He will succeed Elvis Andrus as the team’s next second baseman.

For Lopez, it’s a childhood dream come true.

“I always had a dream of playing in Chicago. Just coming back and playing. But just to have it be like this and go this way … it was kind of a surreal moment,” Lopez said.

Click here to follow the White Sox Talk Podcast.

With several teams looking to bolster their pitching staff, inside sources have told MLB Network’s Jon Morosi the White Sox’ righty could be dealt by next week.

It’s previously been reported that both the Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta Braves have been engaged in trade talks for the starting pitcher.

After finishing as the American League Cy Young Award runner-up in the 2022 season, Cease took a bit of a step back in 2023, posting a 7-9 record and a 4.58 ERA in a career-high 33 starts for the White Sox. His Strikeouts-per-nine-innings decreased slightly, but his WHIP increased from 1.11 to 1.42 as he gave up 46 more hits in seven fewer innings of work for the Sox.

Still, at 27 years old and with several years of team control remaining, Cease is an attractive commodity on the market, and teams will likely be willing to part with serious prospect capital to acquire his services.

In a recent episode of the White Sox Talk podcast, Nightengale said that industry sources have told him there is a “90% chance” that Cease is traded this offseason as the Sox look to restock their farm system.

Earlier reports had indicated that Cease was available for trade offers, and that the only player the White Sox weren’t listening on was outfielder Luis Robert Jr.

Click here to follow the White Sox Talk Podcast.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

Hendriks received the same award from The Players Choices Awards, which is presented by MLB and voted on by players each year. This award, however, was decided by all 30 beat writers from MLB.com.

Hendriks, 34, was diagnosed with Stage 4 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in December. He underwent four rounds of treatment between December and April, his last falling on the day the White Sox opened their home slate against the San Francisco Giants on April 3.

He went into remission in late April, ramping up his rehab stint in the minor leagues shortly after in May. He went from Arizona to pitching with the Triple-A Charlotte Knights before making his major league return.

On May 29, Hendriks made his return to the mound. He gave up two runs in the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Angels. He struggled in his first outing, but bounced back over the rest of his appearances. Hendriks allowed just one run over his next four appearances.

Unfortunately, Hendriks was forced to undergo Tommy John surgery in August. The White Sox declined his club option to return him for the 2024 season, forcing him into free agency.

Click here to follow the White Sox Talk Podcast.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Atlanta Braves are now looking to bolster their pitching staff by adding Cease to their rotation.

It had previously been reported that the Los Angeles Dodgers were interested in Cease as well, as were several other teams, according to reports.

After finishing as the American League Cy Young Award runner-up in the 2022 season, Cease took a bit of a step back in 2023, posting a 7-9 record and a 4.58 ERA in a career-high 33 starts for the White Sox. His Strikeouts-per-nine-innings decreased slightly, but his WHIP increased from 1.11 to 1.42 as he gave up 46 more hits in seven fewer innings of work for the Sox.

Still, at 27 years old and with several years of team control remaining, Cease is an attractive commodity on the market, and teams will likely be willing to part with serious prospect capital to acquire his services.

In a recent episode of the White Sox Talk podcast, Nightengale said that industry sources have told him there is a “90% chance” that Cease is traded this offseason as the Sox look to restock their farm system.

Earlier reports had indicated that Cease was available for trade offers, and that the only player the White Sox weren’t listening on was outfielder Luis Robert Jr.

Click here to follow the White Sox Talk Podcast.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

Here’s what the lefty reliever had to say after seven seasons in Chicago:

“10 years ago, the Chicago White Sox gave me a chance. Debuting in the Crosstown Cup on July 27, 2017, was a lifelong dream come true, and I’ve loved the ride ever since. From Montana to Chicago and everywhere in between, I enjoyed every stop and all the people along the way. To the fans who cheered, booed, and cared so deeply, to my teammates, coaches, staff, and friends, thank you for letting a kid live out his dream every single day.

“Through every high and low, Chicago has been more than a city—it’s been a home. I am forever grateful for every memory and excited for Chapter 2 in Atlanta.”

Bummer, 30, was traded to the Braves for five players in return.

For Bummer, the White Sox received pitchers Mike Soroka, Jared Shuster and Riley Gowens, plus infielders Nicky Lopez and Braden Shewmake. The trade marked Chris Getz’s first exchange as the White Sox general manager.

The White Sox drafted Bummer in the 19th round of the 2014 MLB entry draft. As he mentioned in his post, he debuted with the Sox in 2017.

Click here to follow the White Sox Talk Podcast.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

The contract is a one-year deal, according to a report from Bob Nightengale. DeJong will undergo a physical on Monday to finish the deal.

DeJong, 29, played for three different teams last season: the St. Louis Cardinals, Toronto Blue Jays and San Francisco Giants. He hit .207 from the plate with a .612 OPS last season.

He has a solid glove at shortstop. He has 41 defensive runs saved over his career. And while his glove has declined in recent seasons, it’s still reputable in the middle infield.

Earlier this offseason, the White Sox declined Tim Anderson’s club option, making him a free agent. This signing seemingly shuts the door on a potential return for Anderson on a different contract. This move is likely aimed to keep the seat warm for Colson Montgomery — the White Sox’ expected future shortstop currently stopped in Triple-A.

The signing marks Getz’s first significant splash in free agency. Earlier this offseason, he traded Aaron Bummer to the Atlanta Braves for a whopping five players, including Nicky Lopez, who seems likely to be DeJong’s partner in the middle infield.

DeJong is an Illinois native. Although born in Orlando, Florida, he went to high school in Antioch and attended Illinois State University, too. He played the first six seasons of his professional career with the St. Louis Cardinals before being traded at last season’s deadline.

Click here to follow the White Sox Talk Podcast.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

Chicago’s ace is reportedly on the trading block, and it’s very likely a deal goes through sooner rather than later.

USA Today’s Bob Nightengale joined the “White Sox Talk Podcast” to delve into his report from earlier this week that the White Sox have been in negotiations with the Dodgers on a deal involving Dylan Cease.

“They’ve been talking for a while,” Nightengale told NBC Sports Chicago’s Chuck Garfien. “But obviously they’re not agreeing because he hasn’t been traded. I think, though, Cease will be traded. Too many teams want him. Nobody has any starting pitching. Atlanta—they need a starting pitcher bad. Obviously the Dodgers. I can see the Baltimore Orioles swooping in, too.

“He’s just too valuable valuable of a pitcher, and everybody knows that he’ll bounce back to 2022 form.”

Cease had a down year in 2023, with a 7-9 record and a 4.58 ERA in 33 starts for Chicago. It was a rough follow-up to his 2022 season, where he was the Cy Young runner up and posted a 14-8 record with a 2.20 ERA for the South Siders.

Cease still has two years of team control remaining, with free agency looming following the conclusion of the 2025 season, according to Spotrac.

Nightengale estimated there’s a “90-percent chance” Cease is dealt before Opening Day.

“[The White Sox] could hold onto Cease until the All-Star Break. Realistically, they’re not going to contend this year. But you’ll certainly get more for your money right now.”

While the Dodgers haven’t met the White Sox’ high price tag for the ace, losing out on Aaron Nola, who re-signed with the Phillies, may increase their urgency to acquire Cease, according to Nightengale.

“They got a ton of prospects, a lot of great prospects,” he said of the Dodgers. “A ton of great catching. You know, White Sox could use one of their frontline guys, and they’ve got two or three top minor league catchers.”

White Sox GM Chris Getz has been adamant that the team is willing to listen to offers on any player except for Luis Robert Jr., and it appears that they’re serious about that approach.

Rumors could heat up in the first week of December when baseball executives gather for the winter meetings in Nashville.

Click here to follow the White Sox Talk Podcast.

According to Jon Heyman of MLB Network, the deal will pay Lynn $10 million for the 2024 season, and will include an option for 2025 that could increase the price of the contract to $26 million.

Lynn started the 2023 season with the White Sox, going 6-9 with a 6.47 ERA before he was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers. There, he went 7-2 with a 4.36 ERA, with 47 strikeouts in 64 innings of work.

Previously, Lynn had spent the first six seasons of his career with the Cardinals, winning a World Series ring in 2011 and a National League pennant in 2013.

Click here to follow the White Sox Talk Podcast.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

According to a press release from the team, the contract will pay him $30 million, and includes an $8 million club option for the 2027 season.

López joined the White Sox in 2017, pitching in a total of 205 games for the franchise. He posted a record of 33-44 with a 4.38 ERA before being traded to the Los Angeles Angels in July.

He was later claimed on waivers by the Cleveland Guardians. He appeared in 12 games, all in relief, for Cleveland down the stretch, only giving up five hits and zero runs in 11 innings of work.

According to multiple reports, López could potentially be moved back to the starting rotation by the Braves, who are looking to bolster that group ahead of the 2024 season.

Click here to follow the White Sox Talk Podcast.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

According to the latest updates from USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the White Sox have apparently been in negotiations with the Los Angeles Dodgers on a trade involving Cease.

“The Dodgers badly need pitching help, and the White Sox badly need to rebuild their roster,” Nightengale said.

Cease had a down year in 2023, with a 7-9 record and a 4.58 ERA in 33 starts for Chicago. It was a rough follow-up to his 2022 season, where he was the Cy Young runner up and posted a 14-8 record with a 2.20 ERA for the South Siders.

Cease still has two years of team control remaining, with free agency looming following the conclusion of the 2025 season, according to Spotrac.

The White Sox and Dodgers have been frequent trade partners of late, with pitchers Lance Lynn and Joe Kelly being dealt to the West Coast in late July. The Sox also acquired pitchers Aldrin Batista and Maximo Martinez from the Dodgers in early August.

It isn’t clear what kind of return the White Sox would get for Cease, but with two years of control and a young arm involved, it certainly could be a big one for a team in need of a jump start.

White Sox GM Chris Getz has been adamant that the team is willing to listen to offers on any player except for Luis Robert Jr., and it appears that they’re serious about that approach.

Rumors could heat up in the first week of December when baseball executives gather for the winter meetings in Nashville.

Click here to follow the White Sox Talk Podcast.

He traded left-handed reliever Aaron Bummer for a whopping five players. The Atlanta Braves sent the White Sox Illinois natives Nicky Lopez and Riley Gowens, along with Mike Soroka, Jared Shuster and Braden Shewmake for Bummer.

Where were you when you heard about the late-night trade?

Here’s how some White Sox fans found out about the trade:

Click here to follow the White Sox Talk Podcast.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

Nicky Lopez, 28, was born and raised in Naperville, Ill., and attended Naperville Central High School. He attended Creighton University, the school the Kansas City Royals drafted him out of in the fifth round of the 2016 MLB entry draft.

He debuted with the Royals in 2019. There, he played 4.5 seasons and 519 games. He hit .248 from the plate with five home runs and 119 RBIs.

This past July, he was traded to the Braves.

Riley Gowens, 24, was born in Libertyville, Ill. He remained in Illinois through college, attending the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The Braves drafted him in the ninth round of the 2023 MLB entry draft. He’s pitched predominantly in the Braves’ minor league system.

Along with the two Illinois natives, the White Sox also acquired Mike Soroka, Jared Shuster and Braden Shewmake for Bummer. The trade marks Getz’s first as the general manager of the White Sox.

“I think this is a foundational move for us and look forward to adding to what we just acquired,” Getz said following the day of the trade.

Click here to follow the White Sox Talk Podcast.

In a move that sent a veteran under team control to a title-contending club, the White Sox helped address depth issues both on the mound and in the field, most notably acquiring pitcher and former NL Rookie of the Year finalist Mike Soroka in the deal.

The trade could be the first of many this offseason for the South Siders, with general manager Chris Getz indicating on Friday that no players on the current roster are seen as untouchable.

“I’ve made it very clear that the White Sox are willing to listen in on any of our players,” Getz said on Friday, while adding that multiple teams have expressed interest in outfielder Eloy Jiménez.

Originally acquired alongside Dylan Cease in a blockbuster trade that sent José Quintana to the crosstown rival Chicago Cubs, Jiménez inked a six-year deal worth $43 million before his first MLB game.

While Jiménez has shown flashes of greatness, finishing fourth in AL Rookie of the Year voting in 2019 and winning a Silver Slugger in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, injuries have perhaps been the main story for the slugging outfielder during his time on the South Side.

Jiménez’s 122 games played during his rookie year represent a career-high, and while the outfielder has shown high peaks such as a 141 OPS+ campaign in 84 games in 2022, the frequency of his injuries has hindered his ability to put together a full season.

Despite the injuries, Jiménez holds plenty of intrigue and value entering his age-27 season, especially with a league-wide DH that could help teams find him a spot in the lineup more regularly.

Primarily a left fielder to this point in his career, Jiménez has struggled to the tune of a -4.1 defensive WAR, including a -1.3 dWAR in 2023 over 120 games.

Jiménez is owed $13 million in 2024 while holding club options for 2025 and 2026 for $16.5 million and $18.5 million respectively. Both options contain a $3 million buyout, making Jiménez a relatively affordable trade candidate for teams if he can stay healthy.

Getz did not specify which clubs expressed interest, though his comments on the club being open to listen to offers on anyone could pave the way for one of the more active White Sox offseasons in recent memory.

Click here to follow the White Sox Talk Podcast.

Bummer, 30, has been rumored on the trade block dating back to the previous trade deadline. He was drafted by the White Sox in the 19th round in the 2014 draft. He’s spent the past seven seasons on the Sox.

Nicky Lopez is an Illinois product, who grew up in Naperville. Lopez, 29, is hitting a career .249/.312/.319. He played with the Kansas City Royals when Pedro Grifol was there as the bench coach. He played the last half-season with the Braves.

Mike Soroka, has played on the Braves his entire career. Soroka, 25, is a one-time All-Star. He did not play over the last two seasons prior to 2023 due to injury. He finished second in Rookie of the Year voting in 2019.

Shewmake is a career .250/.309/.407 (331-1,323) hitter with 38 home runs, 174 RBI and 200 runs scored in 346 minor leagues in the Atlanta system. Shewmake is primarily a minor-league player. He was the former No. 21 overall pick in the 2019 MLB draft.

Gowens, 24, has gone between the Rookie and Single-A systems for the Braves.

Shuster, 25, has gone between the Braves and their Triple-A roster. He went 4-3 with a 5.81 ERA (34 ER/52.2 IP) and 30 strikeouts in 11 starts with the Braves and 5-6 with a 5.58 ERA (44 ER/79.0 IP) and 45 strikeouts in 16 starts with the Stripers.

Chris Getz strikes with his first trade as the White Sox general manager. He made his first major decisions as the leader recently, declining both Tim Anderson and Liam Hendriks’ club options.

Click here to follow the White Sox Talk Podcast.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, MLB’s competition committee is “weighing a proposal that would reduce the pitch clock with runners on base from 20 seconds to 18 next season.” The 15-second pitch clock without runners on base would remain the same.

The proposal is in response to a gradual seven-minute increase in the average time of game last season as players adjusted to the new pitch clock rules.

Passan also reported that the committee is considering a proposal to reduce mound visits from five per game to four.

The competition committee is an 11-person panel comprised of six members representing teams, four players and one umpire.

Passan noted that players have “voiced concerns regarding the reduction of the clock,” citing a slew of pitching injuries throughout the 2023 season. However, MLB has pushed back on that concern

The average time of game in April of last season was 2:37 but increased to 2:44 in September.

Click here to follow the Cubs Talk Podcast.

In an interview with the Athletic’s Richard Deitsch, the beloved broadcaster said he “dreaded” the announcement of his departure, which came last week.

“It was really hard emotionally.” Benetti said on the “Sports Media” podcast. “I’m a pretty emotional person in the first place, but there are a lot of White Sox fans who I’ve become friends with over the course of my time doing these games and growing up loving the team. You can never take that out of somebody’s heart — where they grew up.

“Knowing the reaction of some people saying, ‘Why is he doing this?,’ I knew it was gonna be overwhelming. And I am so heartened by so many people reaching out personally. When it was over Friday morning, I just felt this lightness about me. I was dreading it because the I care about a great number of people in Chicago.

“There were moments the other night before it got announced that I was just really, really sad.”

Benetti initially joined the White Sox booth in 2016 as venerated announcer Hawk Harrelson’s career was winding down. He became the full-time play-by-play man for the White Sox in 2019 when Harrelson retired.

Considered a rising star in the broadcast world, Benetti has called games across several sports on a national stage in recent years.

Asked what sparked his decision to leave his hometown for Detroit, Benetti cited his passion for analytics as a factor.

“[The Tigers] want to have the best telecast in Major League Baseball. And they want to do it by, number one, making sure that fans who don’t understand analytics have the opportunity to, if they want to. But if they don’t, they get everything they want to out of the baseball show, as well. Stories about players, fun at the ballpark, strategy, whatever it might be. They want the ballpark to come alive, and they also want new age fans to have the ability to have the touchstone of analytics, too.

“It’s very clear with who they have installed in the front office with Scott Harris and Jeff Greenberg, and then A.J. Hinch is the manager — a guy who played baseball but also was in a front office and understands analytics very deeply, and mixed and matched lineups as well as anybody in Major League Baseball last year.

“But they also want to have fun. They also want to enjoy the ballpark. They also want people to come every day and have a smile on their face. I do like to have fun. I do like to have a good time doing baseball, and sometimes you’re gonna miss and sometimes you’re gonna hit, but the stuff that happens in the ballpark is the most glorious part of doing baseball. And they want that. They didn’t say we’ll tolerate that. They said we want it.”

He also said there was a bit of tension with the White Sox when it came to national gigs, admitting he gave up football in 2020 because ESPN didn’t have the ability to accommodate his baseball schedule.

“The Tigers and I know what I need to make Fox happy and the Tigers know that they’re getting in bed with that. So it’s just easier. And I don’t know that it necessarily was reflective of the White Sox. It’s simply the situation.”

Benetti was able to work out scheduling conflicts with Detroit, in large part, because Dan Dickerson, the Tigers’ radio announcer, told the team that if they could land Benetti, he would agree to fill in on television whenever needed.

“It chokes me up,” Benetti said. “I mean it’s it’s the most selfless thing you could imagine in this realm.”

Brooks Boyer, chief revenue and marketing officer of the Chicago White Sox, called Benetti “one of the very best broadcasters across multiple sports.”

He also said the team allowed Benetti to “explore the opportunity with the Detroit Tigers” and is “proud to see Jason continue to live out his dream to bring the games he loves into the homes of fans in his unique style.”

“We will miss Jason calling White Sox games and wish him the very best on this next chapter of his storied broadcasting career,” Boyer said.

The search for a new TV play-by-play announcer is already underway, as the team looks for a new booth partner for longtime color commentator Steve Stone in 2024.

Click here to follow the White Sox Talk Podcast.

Eder, 24, was acquired by the White Sox from the Miami Marlins in exchange for infielder Jake Burger at the 2023 trade deadline on Aug. 1. The 6-foot-4, 215-pound southpaw is ranked by MLB.com as the No. 5 prospect in the White Sox system and the No. 8 LH pitching prospect in all of baseball. He has gone 5-11 with a 3.80 ERA and 169 strikeouts in 29 starts over two minor seasons. He missed all of 2022 recovering from Tommy John surgery.

Mena, 20, went 8-7 with a 4.85 ERA and 156 strikeouts over 27 combined starts for the Birmingham Barons and Charlotte Knights last season, ranking first in the White Sox organization in strikeouts, innings pitched and starts.

After signing with the White Sox as an international free agent in 2019, the San Francisco de Macorís, Dominican Republic native has gone 11-17 with a 4.97 ERA and 344 strikeouts in 64 games over three minor league seasons. He is ranked as the No. 10 prospect in the White sox organization by MLB.com

Click here to follow the White Sox Talk Podcast.

Ozzie Guillén appeared on 670 The Score’s “Mully and Haugh Show” Monday to dish about last week’s bombshell that the Cubs had fired David Ross in favor of the former Milwaukee Brewers manager.

Mike Mulligan asked Guillén, who is an analyst for NBC Sports Chicago, point-blank if Counsell is an upgrade over Ross.

“Nope,” Guillen said. “If you don’t have a ring on your finger, you’re nobody. You can be Manager of the Year [this year], and next year, you can be fired.

“At the end of the day, if you don’t have a ring on your hand, I don’t care how good a manager you are.”

Guillén was “shocked” when he heard the Cubs had cut ties with Ross, especially given how popular Ross was with his players.

“In my view, I think [Ross] did a tremendous job with the Cubs,” Guillén said. “I think they did more than expected. I think he was great with the people, great with the players. I was really shocked.

“Is [Counsell] going to do a good job? I expect that, because now the Cubs are in the position [where they better win now].”

He gave credit to Counsell for what he was able to do in a “low-impact” market like Milwaukee, where winning isn’t the expectation every year.

“Now he’s going to be in the biggest market, biggest media with the biggest critics in baseball,” Guillén said.

It’ll also take time for players to adjust to a new coaching philosophy, according to Guillén.

“It’ll take a little while for [Counsel] to get adapted to a new ball club, and the ball club adapted to him.” he said. “With [Ross], it seemed like everybody loved him, everybody was on the same page. They fought through it all the way ’til the end for the Wild Card.”

“It really, really shocked me. But like I’ve said, baseball is not a game anymore, it’s a business. It’s about winning, make some money. But I was really, really, really shocked.

Click here to follow the White Sox Talk Podcast.

According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the answer to that question could be yes. In a new report, Nightengale says that one of the teams in pursuit of Anderson could potentially switch him to second base.

That team? The Los Angeles Angels, according to Nightengale’s report.

Anderson has played his entire eight-season career with the White Sox. He had one home run and 25 RBI’s this season while hitting .245 and posting an on-base percentage of just .286. He is three years away from a season where he finished seventh in MVP voting, and he had been an All-Star the last two seasons prior to his 2023 struggles.

He also played second base for the first time in his career this season, making an error in two games at the position.

He had a -19 defensive runs saved at shortstop this season, the second-worst mark of his career, leading to some speculation that he could switch positions.

The White Sox declined Anderson’s contract option earlier this month, making him a free agent for the first time in his career.

Click here to follow the White Sox Talk Podcast.

In fact, one insider says that there is growing belief that the team will make every player available via the trade market….except for one.

Here is what USA Today’s Bob Nightengale had to say.

“(The White Sox) are making everyone available in trades except center fielder Luis Robert – including ace Dylan Cease – as they lower their payroll,” he said.

The hesitancy to move Robert is understandable. He just had a career-best season, with career highs in home runs (38), RBI’s (80) and stolen bases (20). He was named an All-Star for the first time, and also collected his first Silver Slugger award.

He also is under team control for the next four seasons. His pay does go up to $12.5 million for the 2024 season, but the team will control his rights through at least the end of the 2027 season thanks to two club options in the final two years of the contract.

As for Cease, the hurler had a great 2022 season but took a step backward in 2023, with a 7-9 record and a 4.58 ERA in 33 starts for the White Sox. He did have 214 strikeouts in 177 innings of work, but his WHIP soared to 1.42 as he gave up 46 more hits in seven fewer innings of work over 2022.

Cease is under team control through the end of the 2025 season.

In addition to their arbitration-eligible players, the White Sox currently have five veterans locked up to contracts for next season, including Yoan Moncada at $24.8 million and Andrew Benintendi at $17.1 million.

There are growing rumors they could look to part ways with several other key pieces, including outfielder Eloy Jimenez, who is set to make $13.8 million in the 2024 season.

Click here to follow the White Sox Talk Podcast.

He pitched for three separate teams, starting with the White Sox, who traded him to the Los Angeles Angels at the deadline. But after six poor starts in his hometown, they placed the right-hander on waivers, where he was claimed by the Cleveland Guardians.

There, he didn’t improve. He pitched six starts in Cleveland, finishing with a rocky 7.04 ERA.

Still, the NY Post’s Jon Heyman believes Giolito will earn a lucrative deal this offseason after reporting his findings from the GM meetings in Arizona.

“Lucas Giolito is expected to be in the $50M to $80M range, even after allowing at least eight earned runs in a game three times this season — and for three different teams,” Heyman wrote on Thursday.

Those are eye-popping contract numbers, especially for a starter who finished with a 4.88 ERA playing for three different teams. Either way, for the first time in his career, Giolito is a free agent, eligible for a long-term deal.

As aforementioned, the White Sox traded Giolito and Reynaldo López to the Angels in exchange for two prospects: catcher Edgar Quero and left-hander Ky Bush. Giolito pitched six starts with his hometown Angels — terribly. He finished with a 6.89 ERA, allowing a whopping 10 home runs and 15 walks in those starts.

What was supposed to be a solid addition heading into the postseason ended up being a major failed experiment for the Angels’ club. Hence, they placed him, and López, on waivers. The Guardians saw nothing to lose, picking both Giolito and López off of waivers.

Still, Giolito didn’t improve, pitching just as poorly in Cleveland as he did in Los Angeles.

Gioltio hasn’t had a reputable season since 2021. He hasn’t been an All-Star since 2019. He’s one year away from being on the wrong side of 30 years old. But it appears teams still see value in Gioltio after an arduous rigamarole of a 2023 season.

Where will Giolito land? That’s to come this offseason.

Click here to follow the White Sox Talk Podcast.

Robert Jr.’s 2023 campaign has earned the 26-year-old outfielder his first career Silver Slugger award, taking home the honor among American League outfielders alongside Kyle Tucker of the Houston Astros and Julio Rodriguez of the Seattle Mariners.

Robert Jr. was selected to the All-Star team for the first time in 2023, amid a season in which he was inarguably the strongest performer on a White Sox team that went on to lose 101 games.

In addition to eye-popping power and speed numbers, La Pantera posted a .264/.315/.542 slash line, good for an excellent .857 OPS and 128 OPS+.

Though missing the end of the season due to injury, Robert Jr. stayed mostly healthy for the first time in his career through a full season, playing 145 games while putting up 5.0 WAR, both career highs.

With a Silver Slugger in 2023, Robert Jr. adds the prestigious honor to a Gold Glove, which the outfielder won in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, when he also finished second in AL Rookie of the Year voting.

Click here to follow the White Sox Talk Podcast.

Play-by-play announcer Jason Benetti announced that he signed a multi-year contract with the Detroit Tigers to call games for the club on TV after eight seasons with the Chicago White Sox.

Benetti joined the White Sox in 2016 and later took over full-time play-by-play duties at the start of the 2019 season following the retirement of Ken “Hawk” Harrelson.

In addition to his work with the White Sox, Benetti has extensive experience calling college basketball, college football and the NFL. After 11 years with ESPN, Benetti moved to Fox Sports in 2022.

In a statement released Thursday morning, Brooks Boyer, chief revenue and marketing officer of the Chicago White Sox, called Benetti “one of the very best broadcasters across multiple sports.”

“We want to thank Jason Benetti for all he has done for the Chicago White Sox throughout his tenure and for all he means to White Sox fans. Not only is Jason one of the very best broadcasters across multiple sports, he is a born-and-raised White Sox fan who shared his passion for the team on air night in and night out,” Boyer said in a statement. “He represented the club in the community and engaged with fans, all while delivering one of the very best local broadcasts in Major League Baseball.”

Boyer said the team allowed Benetti to “explore the opportunity with the Detroit Tigers” and is “proud to see Jason continue to live out his dream to bring the games he loves into the homes of fans in his unique style.”

“We will miss Jason calling White Sox games and wish him the very best on this next chapter of his storied broadcasting career,” Boyer said.

According to the White Sox, the search for a new TV play-by-play announcer is already underway, as the team looks for a new booth partner for longtime color commentator Steve Stone in 2024.

Len Kasper, who began working as the White Sox radio play-by-play announcer in 2021 after spending 16 seasons as the TV play-by-play announcer for the Chicago Cubs, will remain in the radio role.

Following the announcement of Benetti’s next step in his career, the beloved announcer shared a message directly to White Sox fans.

“Dear @whitesox fans,” his message began. “You’ve spent 8 years making me feel welcome and loved and appreciated. And I love you dearly.”

Click here to follow the White Sox Talk Podcast.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

“Dear @whitesox fans,” his message began. “You’ve spent 8 years making me feel welcome and loved and appreciated. And I love you dearly.”

Benetti’s message comes just after the Tigers announced “one of the top voices in sports is coming to the 313,” with Benetti inking a multi-year contract with the team as their play-by-play announcer.

The team also released a statement from Benetti himself, in which he said he was “incredibly proud to join this historic and ascending franchise.”

But in his message to Sox fans, Benetti was nostalgic.

“I will always cherish you and your passion and joy. You mean more than you know to me,” he wrote. “Thank you for filling my heart. #IsItRaining Yes, as I type this.”

Benetti initially joined the White Sox booth in 2016 as venerated announcer Hawk Harrelson’s career was winding down. He became the full-time play-by-play man for the White Sox in 2019 when Harrelson retired.

Considered a rising star in the broadcast world, Benetti has called games across several sports on a national stage in recent years.

“I love this job so much,” Benetti said earlier this year when it was announced he would continue his duties for the 2023 season. “I want to be here and I’ve always wanted to be here.”

Brooks Boyer, chief revenue and marketing officer of the Chicago White Sox, called Benetti “one of the very best broadcasters across multiple sports.”

“We want to thank Jason Benetti for all he has done for the Chicago White Sox throughout his tenure and for all he means to White Sox fans. Not only is Jason one of the very best broadcasters across multiple sports, he is a born-and-raised White Sox fan who shared his passion for the team on air night in and night out,” Boyer said in a statement. “He represented the club in the community and engaged with fans, all while delivering one of the very best local broadcasts in Major League Baseball.”

Boyer said the team allowed Benetti to “explore the opportunity with the Detroit Tigers” and is “proud to see Jason continue to live out his dream to bring the games he loves into the homes of fans in his unique style.”

“We will miss Jason calling White Sox games and wish him the very best on this next chapter of his storied broadcasting career,” Boyer said.

The Sox are searching for who will replace Benetti and pair with Steve Stone for 2024, with Len Kasper remaining committed to radio.

“The search will begin immediately,” Boyer said.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

“One of the top voices in sports is coming to the 313!” the Tigers tweeted Thursday morning, adding that Benetti had “inked a multi-year contract to be our television play-by-play announcer.”

The team also released a statement from Benetti himself, in which he said he was “incredibly proud to join this historic and ascending franchise.”

“There’s something special about and I’m excited to bring that energy to Tigers fans around the globe,” Benetti’s statement read.

In a separate message directed at White Sox fans, Benetti said “I love you dearly.”

Benetti initially joined the White Sox booth in 2016 as venerated announcer Hawk Harrelson’s career was winding down. He became the full-time play-by-play man for the White Sox in 2019 when Harrelson retired.

Considered a rising star in the broadcast world, Benetti has called games across several sports on a national stage in recent years.

“I love this job so much,” Benetti said earlier this year when it was announced he would continue his duties for the 2023 season. “I want to be here and I’ve always wanted to be here.”

Brooks Boyer, chief revenue and marketing officer of the Chicago White Sox, called Benetti “one of the very best broadcasters across multiple sports.”

“We want to thank Jason Benetti for all he has done for the Chicago White Sox throughout his tenure and for all he means to White Sox fans. Not only is Jason one of the very best broadcasters across multiple sports, he is a born-and-raised White Sox fan who shared his passion for the team on air night in and night out,” Boyer said in a statement. “He represented the club in the community and engaged with fans, all while delivering one of the very best local broadcasts in Major League Baseball.”

Boyer said the team allowed Benetti to “explore the opportunity with the Detroit Tigers” and is “proud to see Jason continue to live out his dream to bring the games he loves into the homes of fans in his unique style.”

“We will miss Jason calling White Sox games and wish him the very best on this next chapter of his storied broadcasting career,” Boyer said.

The Sox are searching for who will replace Benetti and pair with Steve Stone for 2024, with Len Kasper remaining committed to radio.

“The search will begin immediately,” Boyer said.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

Getz met with media Tuesday in Scottsdale, Arizona — where Major League Baseball is hosting the annual General Manager’s meetings this week — to answer questions about the future of the club.

“You certainly don’t want to get lost or overwhelmed with the amount of work that’s in front of you,” Getz said. “You wake up each day and find ways to improve your ballclub. That’s how we’re approaching things, and it’s one move at a time.”

For the new front office regime, improving the ball club meant declining Tim Anderson’s $14 million club option for next season.

“Tim Anderson, what he’s meant to the organization, there’s not enough time to really go through the impact that he’s made in the organization, the city, his teammates, the game,” Getz said Tuesday. “He’s a guy that was drafted, went through the system and performed at the major league level. So when you come to a decision like that, certainly, it needs to be as thorough as it possibly can.”

While the decision didn’t come as a surprise, the willingness, and perhaps desire, to part ways with the face of the franchise understandably stings for all involved.

“The conversation with [Anderson] was was difficult,” he said. “It was for me, personally, just because I know how much he has meant. He is my son’s favorite player, as well. So not only is [Anderson] disappointed in me, but so is my son.

“We has 101 losses last year. To have to fill so many holes both in near-term and long-term, it felt like it was the best decision to decline that option.”

The door isn’t totally shut, with Getz confirming that the White Sox could be open to signing Anderson to a new contract in free agency.

“He’s earned the right to see if there’s a better opportunity for him,” Getz said. We certainly wish [Anderson] very well. We’ve got great memories with him. I know he shares the same sentiment.”

Anderson, 30, is coming off the worst year of his career by a considerable margin after spending several seasons as one of the sport’s most consistent contact hitters.

With the White Sox declining his option for 2024, he will now likely search for a one-year deal with a club in need of middle infield depth in hopes that 2023 was an anomaly in his career.

Click here to follow the White Sox Talk Podcast.

One of the changes he wants to see happen is shifting Yoán Moncada around defensively. Where else than third base could Moncada play for the White Sox? Getz answered that at the GM meetings in Arizona.

“He’s played second base with us,” Getz said. “I think he’s a better third-baseman than second second-baseman. That doesn’t mean there aren’t going to be some days perhaps he goes over to second or plays first base and perhaps even the outfield. We’ll do what’s best for our club.”

Getz, when asked, said the defensive changes for Moncada are “health dependent,” considering the outfield would provide more strain to his sometimes faulty back and legs.

In saying Moncada has played second base with the White Sox, Getz is correct. During his first two years in Chicago, Moncada played second base. Just over 200 games, in fact.

Those two seasons at second base generated minus four defensive runs saved. In 515 career games at third base, Moncada has saved negative five runs defensively.

Those numbers don’t tell the whole story. Obviously, they don’t demonstrate Moncada as an above-average infielder. Though, I will say, I thoroughly enjoy watching Moncada play third base. I don’t think it’s unreasonable to say he, on a yearly basis, makes some astonishing plays from the corner.

Moncada is as athletic as they come. And his arm is fantastic. He’s able to gun the baseball over to first base like any other elite third baseman in the league. Putting him at second base feels like a robbery of his talents.

That said, if the move is to protect his health, so be it. You can’t argue with the White Sox doing anything they can to protect the perennially poor health the White Sox have demonstrated in recent seasons.

But, it would be disappointing to see Moncada shift elsewhere. Maybe, he’ll remain healthier at second base. Or maybe, he’s an underrated outfielder and can provide some serious defense in right field.

On the other hand, you can’t blame Getz for wanting to experiment with the defense. The White Sox’ defense has been a bottom defense for the past three seasons, according to FanGraphs. Getz and company have preached the Sox’ need to improve their defense since taking over the front office.

If that means shifting Moncada, along with a slew of other changes, so be it. But moving Moncada off third base might not be the best move for the defense. Stay tuned.

Click here to follow the White Sox Talk Podcast.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

· Bench Coach: Charlie Montoyo
· Pitching Coach: Ethan Katz
· Assistant Pitching Coach: Matt Wise
· Hitting Coach: Marcus Thames
· Assistant Hitting Coach: Mike Tosar
· First Base/Outfield Coach: Jason Bourgeois
· Third Base/Infield Coach: Eddie Rodríguez
· Catching Coach: Drew Butera
· Major League Coach: Grady Sizemore

Wise, Thames, Bourgeois, Butera and Sizemore are new to the organization. The rest are returners from last season. Here’s a quick bio for the newcomers.

Matt Wise

Wise, 47, was named the pitching coach for the Los Angeles Angels in 2021. He’s been with the staff since 2020.

The White Sox reassigned their bullpen coach, Curt Hassler, to a different role in the organization. The organization also hired Brian Bannister to become the director of pitching this offseason. Ethan Katz remains the pitching coach since he was hired in 2021.

Wise was accredited with the Angels’ top ten ERA in 2022. The staff regressed in 2023, finishing with a 4.64 ERA, which ranked 24th in MLB. Their 1.46 WHIP ranked 26th in MLB, too.

Marcus Thames

Thames, 46, played in the major leagues for 10 seasons between the New York Yankees, Texas Rangers, Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Dodgers. He slashed .246/.309/.485 over his career with 115 career home runs and 301 RBIs.

In 2013, Thames started his coaching career with the Yankees’ farm system, becoming the hitting coach at every single level at some point. In 2015, Thames became the hitting coach for the major league ball club.

He stayed with the Yankees for five seasons until 2021, when he moved to Miami to become the Marlins’ hitting coach. Thames spent the 2023 season as the hitting coach for the Los Angeles Angels.

Jason Bourgeois

Bourgeois, 41, played in MLB — if you count his seasons in the minor leagues — for 18 seasons. He played in the major leagues for eight seasons, including two different stints with the White Sox.

From 2007-08, he played between the White Sox’ major league team and the Triple-A Charlotte Knights. Later, in 2016, he was traded back to the White Sox, where he played entirely on a minor league deal with the team.

He’s been coaching in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ farm system since 2019.

Drew Butera

Butera, 40, played 12 seasons in the major leagues with several clubs. He played predominantly with the Kansas City Royals, Minnesota Twins and Los Angeles Dodgers. Butera played in Kansas City while Grifol was the team’s bench coach.

Since igniting his coaching career, Butera’s first coaching stint began in 2022 as the Los Angeles bullpen catcher/coach.

Grady Sizemore

Sizemore, 41, played eight seasons with the then-Cleveland Indians. He was a regular adversary of the White Sox and a good one at that. He earned MVP votes for three straight seasons, along with two Gold Gloves and a Silver Slugger award.

In 2017, directly after his playing career, Sizemore joined Cleveland as an advisor to their player development department. He hasn’t earned any other experience since then.

Click here to follow the White Sox Talk Podcast.

Earlier this offseason, the White Sox relieved third base coach Daryl Boston and hitting coach Jose Castro of their respective duties. They also demoted bullpen coach Curt Hassler and assistant hitting coach Chris Johnson.

Here are three coaches the White Sox have either reportedly hired or are strongly tied to the name.

Marcus Thames

The White Sox have reportedly hired Marcus Thames to become their new hitting coach, according to a report from Robert Murray.

Thames, 46, played in the major leagues for 10 seasons between the New York Yankees, Texas Rangers, Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Dodgers. He slashed .246/.309/.485 over his career with 115 career home runs and 301 RBIs.

In 2013, Thames started his coaching career with the Yankees’ farm system, becoming the hitting coach at every single level at some point. In 2015, Thames became the hitting coach for the major league ball club.

He stayed with the Yankees for five seasons until 2021, when he moved to Miami to become the Marlins’ hitting coach. Thames spent the 2023 season as the hitting coach for the Los Angeles Angels.

Grady Sizemore

The former three-time All-Star, Grady Sizemore, is expected to join the White Sox as the team’s outfield and baserunning coach, according to Bruce Levine.

Sizemore, 41, played eight seasons with the then-Cleveland Indians. He was a regular adversary of the White Sox and a good one at that. He earned MVP votes for three straight seasons, along with two Gold Gloves and a Silver Slugger award.

In 2017, directly after his playing career, Sizemore joined Cleveland as an advisor to their player development department. He hasn’t earned any other experience since then.

Drew Butera

Drew Butera is a “strong candidate” to join the White Sox’ coaching staff, according to Robert Murray. The position Butera could earn is so far unspecified.

Butera, 40, played 12 seasons in the major leagues with several clubs. He played predominantly with the Kansas City Royals, Minnesota Twins and Los Angeles Dodgers. Butera played in Kansas City while Grifol was the team’s bench coach.

Since igniting his coaching career, Butera’s first coaching stint began in 2022 as the Los Angeles bullpen catcher/coach.

The White Sox made some personnel additions this offseason, too.

They hired Josh Barfield as the team’s new Assistant General Manager, Brian Bannister as the Director of Pitching and Gene Watson as the Director of Player Personnel.

Ethan Katz — the team’s pitching coach — will retain his role and return for his fourth season with the White Sox.

Click here to follow the White Sox Talk Podcast.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

According to a new report, ace pitcher Dylan Cease isn’t being put on the trading block, but the White Sox aren’t closing the doors on dealing the 27-year-old.

“The Chicago White Sox aren’t shopping Dylan Cease, but are telling teams they will listen to offers,” USA Today insider Bob Nightengale reported. “He could be the best pitcher available on the trade market.”

Cease had some struggles after finishing as runner-up in Cy Young voting in 2022, posting a 7-9 record and a 4.58 ERA in 33 starts with the White Sox during the 2023 season.

He struck out 214 batters in 177 innings of work, with his WHIP skyrocketing to 1.42 and his strikeout-to-walk ratio dipping to 2.71, according to Baseball Reference.

Even still, Cease would be an attractive option for teams looking to upgrade their pitching staffs. He will be eligible for arbitration each of the next two seasons before hitting free agency in the winter of 2025.

According to Spotrac estimates, Cease could be in line for a salary of $8.3 million, far below what many pitchers will command on the open market this winter. That list could include Tampa Bay Rays starter Tyler Glasnow, who could be on the trade block ahead of a season where he will make $25 million in base salary.

Click here to follow the White Sox Talk Podcast.

“If my time in Chicago is over, I want to thank Mr. Reinsdorf and the entire White Sox organization for the opportunity to start my career and play 8 years as your shortstop,” Anderson said in a written Instagram story post. “I wish my teammates great success going forward.

“To the fans, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for your unwavering support throughout my time here. A part of me will always be a south sider.”

Anderson, 30, is coming off the worst year of his career by a considerable margin after spending several seasons as one of the sport’s most consistent contact hitters.

In 2023, Anderson struggled to a 60 OPS+, managing just a .245/.286/.296 slash line while hitting just home run. His slugging percentage came in below his batting average just the year prior, when Anderson hit .301 in a 2022 campaign where he managed a 109 OPS+

Anderson’s problems went beyond the batter’s box, with his glove coming in at -0.9 defensive WAR and a -1 outs above average.

Unfortunately for the veteran shortstop, his most notable moment of the year was an on-field brawl with José Ramírez of the Cleveland Guardians in August that garnered Anderson a six-game suspension.

With the White Sox declining Anderson’s $14 million option for 2024, Anderson will now likely search for a one-year deal with a club in need of middle infield depth in hopes that 2023 was an anomaly in his career.

Click here to follow the White Sox Talk Podcast.

Anderson, 30, is coming off the worst year of his career by a considerable margin after spending several seasons as one of the sport’s most consistent contact hitters.

In 2023, Anderson struggled to a 60 OPS+, managing just a .245/.286/.296 slash line while hitting just home run. His slugging percentage came in below his batting average just the year prior, when Anderson hit .301 in a 2022 campaign where he managed a 109 OPS+

Anderson’s problems went beyond the batter’s box, with his glove coming in at -0.9 defensive WAR and a -1 outs above average.

Unfortunately for the veteran shortstop, his most notable moment of the year was an on-field brawl with José Ramírez of the Cleveland Guardians in August that garnered Anderson a six-game suspension.

With the White Sox declining Anderson’s $14 million option for 2024, Anderson will now likely search for a one-year deal with a club in need of middle infield depth in hopes that 2023 was an anomaly in his career.

Click here to follow the White Sox Talk Podcast.

The White Sox announced they will decline Liam Hendriks’ $15 million club option. The team also announced Mike Clevinger declined his mutual option with the club worth $12 million.

The White Sox will buy him out for $4 million.

The White Sox signed Clevinger, 32, to a one-year deal with a mutual option for the 2024 season in December 2022. Later, news dropped Clevinger had been accused of domestic violence and child abuse, an investigation MLB had been executing since the previous summer.

MLB decided against disciplining Clevinger. They didn’t find enough evidence to punish the right-hander, leaving him free to play for the White Sox.

Clevinger was a helpful hand on the mound this season for the Sox. He pitched 131.1 innings in 24 starts, landing on the injured list just twice throughout the season. He finished with a 3.77 ERA and 1.226 WHIP. Clevinger struck out 110 batters while walking just 40.

He would’ve been a helpful veteran arm to help bridge the gap between the present White Sox roster and its future starters. Alas, Clevinger wasn’t motivated enough to turn the key on his end. He didn’t mention as much at the end of the season but left things open-ended heading into the offseason.

“We’ll see,” Clevinger said to NBC Sports Chicago’s Chuck Garfien when asked if he wished to return. “See what [Chris] Getz and the boys want to do. They know I’m all ears and I’m open to talk. I’ve had some good conversations with Pedro [Grifol] and Getz and [Ethan] Katz. So, we’ll see.”

Earlier in the season, the White Sox placed Clevinger on waivers, sending him free to sign with any team with interest in picking up his contract for the rest of the season. No one signed him and he returned to the South Side to finish the season.

Along with Clevinger, Hendriks will not return to the White Sox, either, on account of the organization declining his club option. They will pay him $15 million in increments over the next 10 years.

The White Sox also sent Trayce Thompson and Clint Frazier to Triple-A Charlotte.

Click here to follow the White Sox Talk Podcast.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

According to a report from Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the White Sox are declining Hendriks’ $15 million option for 2024 as the reliever is expected to miss the upcoming season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in August.

The option for 2024 is part of the three-year, $54 million deal Hendriks signed with the Sox ahead of the 2021 season.

The White Sox will still owe Hendriks $15 million, though the payments will now be deferred over time.

Hendriks’ tenure on the White Sox saw him quickly grow into a fan favorite, emerging as a pivotal piece to the 2021 team that would go on to win the American League Central.

Hendriks finished 8-3 with an AL-best 38 saves in 2021, being named to the All-Star team while finishing eighth in Cy Young Award voting as well. During his incredible campaign, Hendriks walked just seven batters while striking out 113, good for a video game-like 16.14 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

The Aussie right-hander was excellent again in 2022, saving 37 games with a 2.81 ERA, once again being named to the All-Star team for the third time in his career.

During the offseason following the 2022 season, the baseball world rallied around Hendriks after he publicly revealed that he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in January 2023.

Hendriks briefly returned to action in 2023, playing in five games and recording two wins and a save across five innings of work before being affected by an elbow injury that would go on to end his season.

The league honored Hendriks with the AL Comeback Player of the Year award for his return to action this season following his cancer diagnosis

Following the declining of Hendriks’ option, he will become a free agent ahead of his age-35 season that he is expected to miss all of.

With the levels of adversity that Hendriks has faced during a career in which he has long been one of the sport’s premier relievers, it’s hard to bet against a return to form down the road for the three-time All-Star.

Click here to follow the White Sox Talk Podcast.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

Hendriks, 34, was diagnosed with Stage 4 non-Hodgkins lymphoma in December 2022. He underwent several treatments throughout the winter. His last one was Opening Day for the White Sox, on Apr. 3.

After several rehab sessions and assignments in the minor leagues, Hendriks returned to the mound on May 29 at home against the Los Angeles Angels. He gave up two runs in the eighth inning on 27 pitches.

He bounced back on June 3, pitching a scoreless inning with one strikeout against the Detroit Tigers. He finished his season with a 5.40 ERA from five games, recording one save and allowing three earned runs in five innings.

Unfortunately, Hendriks tore his UCL in August and underwent Tommy John surgery to repair it. His expected timetable for return was initially set at 12-14 months, which sets him up to play in August next season at the earliest.

The White Sox hold a club option for Hendriks worth $15 million. The deadline for the Sox to decide if they plan to exercise his option is Nov. 6.

Click here to follow the White Sox Talk Podcast.

Wait, what? Didn’t the World Series end on Wednesday?

That’s correct. But Nov. 2 marks the day players without a contract officially become free agents. Not so fast, they can’t sign with new teams just yet. Let’s go over some key dates for the MLB offseason.

Nov. 2: Players with 6+ years of service time without contracts are officially free agents. Eligible players must wait five days before signing with a new team. At this time, they’re only allowed to speak with their previous team about a new contract.

Nov. 5: Gold Glove winners are announced on a live ESPN broadcast at 6:30 p.m. CT. Luis Robert Jr.? Ian Happ? Dansby Swanson? Stay tuned.

Nov. 6: This is a big day. It includes several deadlines and beginnings for the MLB offseason. Free agency officially opens up. This day marks the deadline for teams to tender eligible free agents to a qualifying offer. Contract option decisions are also due on this date.

For the White Sox, that means the futures of Tim Anderson (club), Liam Hendriks (club) and Mike Clevinger (mutual) must be decided. For the Cubs, that’s Marcus Stroman (player), Kyle Hendricks (club), Yan Gomes (club), Brad Boxberger (mutual) and Cody Bellinger (mutual).

Nov. 7-9: These days mark the GM meetings in Scottsdale.

Nov. 14-16: Owners meetings happen in Arlington, Tex. through these dates.

Nov. 17: This is the deadline for teams to submit their offers for their pre-arbitration and arbitration-eligible contracts for the 2024 season. Contracts need not be signed on this day, just offers.

Dec. 3: Winter meetings in Nashville. Watch out. This is a crazy four-day period. A bunch of free-agent signings, trades and rumors will unfold.

Dec. 5: The draft lottery will be held live on MLB Network. As it stands, the White Sox have the fourth-best odds at landing the No. 1 pick in the draft (14.7%). The Cubs have a 0.4% chance.

Dec. 6: Rule 5 draft. Players selected from other teams during the Rule 5 draft must stay on their new team all season in 2024; otherwise, they are offered back to their native team.

Jan. 12: Arbitration-eligible players and teams will submit their salary figures for 2024. A majority of contracts will be agreed to leading up to this deadline to avoid arbitration.

Jan. 29- Feb. 16: Arbitration hearings will take place during this time.

Mid-February: Players will start reporting for Spring Training. Each team sets its reporting dates for pitchers and catchers, then position players.

And with that, here are the free agents for the White Sox, not including those with an option mentioned previously:

• Yasmani Grandal
• Elvis Andrus
• Alex Colome
• Bryan Shaw
• Jose Urena
• Billy Hamilton
• Tyler Naquin

Here are the 2024 free agents for the Cubs, excluding those with options:

• Jeimer Candelario
• Michael Fulmer
• Edwin Rios
• Shane Greene

Click here to follow the White Sox Talk Podcast.

Janish will take over Getz’s former post as the leader of the organization’s farm system. The White Sox promoted Getz to general manager in August 2023.

Janish, 41, played in the major leagues from 2008-17 between the Cincinnati Reds, Atlanta Braves and Baltimore Orioles. He was drafted in the 2004 MLB draft in the fifth round out of Rice. He made his debut four years later with the Reds.

The White Sox have made a flurry of hires to their front office this offseason. Along with Janish, they named Josh Barfield the team’s assistant general manager, Brian Bannister as the director of pitching and Gene Watson as the director of player personnel.

“We are very excited to add paul to our baseball operations team as director of player development,” Getz said in a statement. “With 13 years in professional baseball, including nine in the major leagues, and another six years at Rice University where he served as associate head coach, Paul brings a wealth of experience to our organization. He has lived every step of the development ladder, from being a National Champion player at Rice, to being drafted, reaching the majors and then coaching successfully at a high-level program like Rice. We are pleased to heave him take the next step in his career with the White Sox and welcome him into the organization to lead our development system.”

Check back to this story for more updates.

Click here to follow the White Sox Talk Podcast.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

This isn’t the case for Dan Plesac, though. The current MLB Network analyst still believes in what the White Sox have at 35th and Shields, and he joined NBC Sports Chicago’s Chuck Garfien on the latest “White Sox Talk Podcast” to explain why the White Sox should have the rest of the league on notice.

“What do I think about 2024? I don’t know. But I do know this. There’s too much talent still left on that team for them to be a non-contender in the easiest division in baseball,” Plesac said. “I don’t think they have to do a major overhaul because it’s not the AL or the NL East. They’re not chasing the Braves or the Phillies or the Mets or the Yankees or the Blue Jays or the Orioles. It’s a division, right now, with two teams that have money and basically can try to win — that would be the White Sox and the Minnesota Twins.”

This is another sentiment White Sox fans are sick of hearing. They never wanted to be the kings of the American League Central. They wanted to be the kings of Major League Baseball — a team that could and would compete with the Braves and the Phillies and the Mets and the Yankees and the Blue Jays and the Orioles.

Plesac, a life-long White Sox fan himself, knows this. So before you roll your eyes at another pundit giving the same old spiel, you should know that Plesac has a point worth believing. One that’s tangibly unfolding before our eyes as we watch the Texas Rangers take on the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 2023 World Series.

“It can be done,” Plesac said. “The Arizona Diamondbacks are living proof. So are the Rangers. Two years ago, these teams lost over 100 games.

“You know what you have to do in the Central? Win 85 games. Win 85 games, and you’re in it.”

He was clear that the White Sox will need to spend money in order to achieve what those two teams in the World Series managed to pull off this season. This doesn’t mean they have to completely break the bank, though. They just have to improve enough to make the postseason.

“If these two teams playing right now are living proof, just get in,” he said.

Plesac then made the point that while Yoán Moncada may never be the player the White Sox need him to be, there are certain guys, like Dylan Cease, who will undoubtedly be better in 2024.

“That’s a sleeping giant,” Plesac said of the 2024 White Sox. “And I know it’s so easy to take shots at a team and an organization when things are down.

“… The Diamondbacks were a morgue two years ago. So it can happen.”

You can listen to latest episode of the “White Sox Talk Podcast” here.

Click here to follow the White Sox Talk Podcast.