General manager Chris Getz of the Chicago White Sox gave a disappointing outlook on their offseason before the GM meetings, saying it would be “premature” to bring free agents in beyond 2026.
More News: Chicago White Sox GM Chris Getz hints at a potentially disappointing offseason
Emphasizing at the meetings that the White Sox’s goal remains the “continued development” of his young players, such as shortstop Colson Montgomery and right-hander Shane Smith.
“Foundationally, we’re in a decent spot, but without question we want to take a step forward,” Getz said to Lamont Pope of the Chicago Tribune. “The biggest step forward is still going to be much more dependent on the continued development of these young players.”
Having a solid foundation, Getz also shared some insight on how he will build around these young players by adding starting pitching depth and balancing out their lineup, as Getz said, “we’ve gotten a little right-handed redundant on the infield.”
Chris Getz reveals that the Chicago White Sox will focus on adding starting pitching and a left-handed hitting infield bat
MLB: Tampa Bay Rays at Chicago White Sox Apr 26, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox general manager Chris Getz speaks before a baseball game between the Chicago White Sox and Tampa Bay Rays at Guaranteed Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
“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.”
The White Sox as a team didn’t perform well against right-handed pitching, with a team batting average of .228 (28th in MLB) and hitting 122 home runs (tied for 24th in MLB). Of the White Sox infielders, second baseman Lenyn Sosa, who is right-handed, had the highest batting average against right-handed pitching at .260. Shortstop/second baseman Chase Meidroth came in second, batting .242.
Sam Antonacci could be a viable option to make the White Sox roster in 2026
Syndication: Wilmington Star News Coastal’s #10 Sam Antonacci jumps back to 1st base as UNCW took on Coastal Carolina Tuesday April 2, 2024 at home. UNCW won 6-4. KEN BLEVINS/STARNEWS © KEN BLEVINS/STARNEWS / USA TODAY NETWORK
Sam Antonacci is a name to keep an eye on as a potential rookie to make the White Sox Opening Day roster in 2026. Only in his second professional season, the former fifth-round draft pick from Coastal Carolina University, and native of Springfield, Illinois, batted .291 with an OPS of .842 in 116 games between Rookie Ball, High-A, and Double-A.
In 112 games against right-handed pitching, Antonacci batted .304 with an OPS of .878 and hit five home runs while driving in 41 RBI.
This exceptional performance earned the 22-year-old an invite to the Arizona Fall League, where, in 19 games, he’s batted .378 with an OPS of 1.046. Even more impressive, Antonacci has had a great eye at the plate, walking 15 times while striking out 11 times in 93 plate appearances (74 at-bats).
Fitting into the White Sox mold of being young and showing his growth at every level he’s played in, it’s not out of the question that, given Getz’s comments, Antonacci could be a name to who could potentially make the Opening Day roster.
MLB: Chicago White Sox at Atlanta Braves Jul 14, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; A detailed view of a Chicago White Sox hat and glove in the dugout against the Atlanta Braves in the fourth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Chicago White Sox GM Chris Getz relays what Grant Taylor’s role will be in 2026
Read More
For More Great Chicago Sports Content
Get the latest Chicago sports news, analysis, and breaking stories on the Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs, White Sox, Sky, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News, so you never miss a story on your favorite Chicago teams.
Follow us on Twitter at @chicitysports23 for more great content. We appreciate you taking time to read our articles. To interact more with our community and keep up to date on the latest in Chicago sports news, JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP by CLICKING HERE