LAS VEGAS — Every big-league club is looking for pitching this time of year.
Corner outfield depth and left-handed-hitting infield options are also on the offseason checklist for the Chicago White Sox.
“Just like any offseason, there are some areas that you need to focus on more than others,” general manager Chris Getz said Wednesday at the GM meetings. “You set your sights on certain players, and there are also trades that can happen that maybe you’re repurposing a player to help you find a gain in another area that needs a boost.
“Foundationally, we’re in a decent spot, but without question we want to take a step forward. The biggest step forward is still going to be much more dependent on the continued development of these young players.”
The Sox will look to add to a young group that includes infielders Colson Montgomery and Chase Meidroth, catchers Kyle Teel and Edgar Quero and starting pitcher Shane Smith.
Getz addressed some of the areas the Sox are concentrating on.
“We’ve been able to create a decent amount of (starting pitching) depth,” he said. “That can change quickly. But to be able to navigate a full season, the amount of starts you need out of your starters and innings, you want to be able to protect some of these young arms. You’ve got (prospects) Hagen Smith and Noah Schultz, who are getting closer, but you don’t want to be too reliant and dependent on those innings because you want to bring them up when it’s appropriate for them.
“We’ve gotten a little right-handed redundant on the infield. Try to balance that out. (Prospect Sam) Antonacci comes to mind as a left-handed bat that can be inserted in the infield to help attack that. There could be some trades that you can repurpose it in different ways.
“Our outfield corners was an underperforming position based on the offensive and defensive side. We’re looking at that in different ways to improve in those areas.”
Here are three more takeaways from the GM meetings.
1. Grant Taylor will continue to pitch in relief.
Taylor provided a boost to the bullpen after being called up in early June.
The right-hander with a fastball clocked at 100 mph began 2025 as a starter at Double-A Birmingham before being shifted to the bullpen. He was used largely in a relief role when he joined the Sox, who anticipate him remaining a reliever in 2026.
White Sox reliever Grant Taylor pitches in the ninth inning against the Guardians on July 13, 2025, at Rate Field. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
“We don’t anticipate him taking starts next year,” Getz said. “Obviously we used him in opener roles. I think it is important for him to throw multiple innings, and that goes to many of our arms in the bullpen.”
Taylor went 2-4 with a 4.91 ERA, 54 strikeouts and six saves in 36 2/3 innings in 2025. He made 36 appearances, including two starts as an opener.
“It’s more focused on the arsenal and the ability to have deeper outings rather than him grabbing starts next year,” Getz said.
2. Drew Thorpe is making progress in recovery from Tommy John surgery.
White Sox starter Drew Thorpe delivers against the Tigers on June 22, 2024, at Comerica Park in Detroit. (Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
Thorpe was a key player the Sox acquired in the spring 2024 trade that sent starter Dylan Cease to the San Diego Padres. Thorpe missed 2025 after suffering an injury in spring training that led to Tommy John surgery.
Getz said the right-hander is “rehabbing well.”
“We anticipate him pitching for us in the second half,” Getz said. “We’re certainly excited about getting him back into the pitching mix.”
Getz also provided an update on first baseman Tim Elko, who underwent surgery to repair a torn ACL in his right knee late last month.
“He’s had knee injuries in the past, so it was something that needed to happen,” Getz said. “We’re still learning the timetable on that, but he will lose a chunk of next season but should be back in the second half as well.”
3. The Sox are ‘pretty close’ to completing the coaching staff.
“We still have a couple additions, but we’re getting there,” Getz said.
The first-base/outfield coaching duties haven’t been announced. Getz said bench coach Walker McKinven also will work with the catchers.
“That was his expertise in Milwaukee — he was a big part of that,” Getz said. “To be able to get Walker in that space now is something that we’re looking to do and improve those guys.”
There has been plenty of coaching-staff shuffling throughout the American League Central, including Grady Sizemore reportedly joining the Minnesota Twins as a first-base, outfield and baserunning coach.
Sizemore spent the last two seasons in the Sox organization. He was a major-league coach in 2024 and went 13-32 as the interim manager over the final 45 games. He became the offensive coordinator in 2025.
Shortly after the season ended, the Sox announced Sizemore would be offered a role within the organization for 2026.
“I talked to him earlier today and thanked him for the impact he had,” Getz said. “He and (new Twins manager Derek) Shelton have a long history together.
“Grady was very appreciative. I know he’s going to miss being here, but this is a really good opportunity.”