General manager Chris Getz sees the makings of a more competitive Chicago White Sox team in 2026.
“We were able to make a significant jump from 2024 (to 2025),” Getz said during the GM meetings last month in Las Vegas, “and obviously it wasn’t too difficult, given where our win total was.”
The Sox collected 41 victories — while suffering an MLB modern-day record 121 losses — in 2024. They made a 19-game improvement to 60 wins in 2025.
“If you look at some of the production we’ve gotten from some of these players that have just gotten to the big leagues: (shortstop) Colson Montgomery and (catchers) Kyle Teel and Edgar Quero and (third/first baseman Miguel) Vargas taking a step forward and (starter) Shane Smith, their continued development is vital for us to add wins,” Getz said. “And (in) addition to that, finding some free agents or other players from other organizations to help is a way to boost that win total.”
Opportunities might arise for additions Monday-Wednesday at the winter meetings. Here are three questions facing the Sox ahead of the gathering in Orlando, Fla.
1. Will any familiar faces be on the move?
One conversation repeatedly has popped up in recent offseasons: Will the Sox hold on to Luis Robert Jr. or will the center fielder be traded?
The subject came up again after the Sox exercised Robert’s $20 million club option in November.
“To be able to have a player like that in your organization — and on the other end of the spectrum, that’s why he’s attractive (to teams), because they feel like they can use that boost as well,” Getz said during a Nov. 19 videoconference call.
“It’s very truthful that we are not shopping him, because we’re very comfortable having him in a White Sox uniform, knowing what he’s capable of doing. Now if it makes sense for both parties to work out a deal, then so be it. But we’re planning on him being in uniform for us next year.”
Every team aims to be strong up the middle, and Robert helps the Sox in that department. The team also has depth behind the plate, headlined by Teel and Quero.
White Sox catcher Kyle Teel reacts after hitting an RBI single against the Twins on Aug. 22, 2025, at Rate Field. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Korey Lee rejoined the Sox from Triple A in late August. That gave the team the flexibility to start both Lee and Quero — one at catcher, the other at designated hitter — while having another catching option on the bench.
Lee was mentioned in trade speculation during the season. And Quero and Teel have drawn trade interest repeatedly.
Before that chatter, the topic of moving a catcher came up during the GM Meetings.
“Those are all conversations that we have,” Getz said. “I can’t say that there’s a perfect answer right now other than catching is gold, and I’ve always felt that way. Nothing has changed on that front because catching markets on a regular basis — you guys have seen the names and teams that haven’t been able to find production in that position.
“To have three guys who can be quality catchers at the major-league level. There could be a time for reallocation or repurpose to make the roster a little bit more functional. Is that time now? I don’t think so. I don’t. But down the road, you never know.”
2. How is the pitching staff shaping up?
The Sox have added a pair of left-handers to their staff this offseason, acquiring Chris Murphy in a trade from the Boston Red Sox and reportedly coming to terms on a two-year deal with Anthony Kay, who most recently pitched in Japan.
White Sox starter Shane Smith pumps his fist after the top of the sixth inning against the Marlins on May 10, 2025, at Rate Field. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Smith and Davis Martin led the way for the Sox in terms of innings pitched in 2025. Sean Burke and Jonathan Cannon were next on the list, and Getz said the pair — who both saw some time late in the season in Triple A — will be competing for spots in the rotation.
“We have faith that both of those guys can be helpful and help us win games,” Getz said of Burke and Cannon.
While it remains to be seen how the rotation shakes out, Getz said both Mike Vasil and Grant Taylor will remain in their relief roles.
At some point during the season, the Sox anticipate right-hander Drew Thorpe returning from Tommy John surgery. And two of the organization’s highly touted prospects — lefties Noah Schultz and Hagen Smith — are inching closer to big-league debuts.
“You want to bring (Schultz and Smith) up when it’s appropriate for them,” Getz said.
3. What is the plan for the corner infield spots?
White Sox third baseman Miguel Vargas hits a two-run home run against the Cubs on May 16, 2025, at Wrigley Field. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
The Sox have options for both first and third base.
Vargas led the Sox in starts at third (76) and first (55) in 2025. He topped the team with 80 runs, 32 doubles and 56 walks over a career-high 138 games.
Lenyn Sosa, who had a team-leading 22 home runs and 75 RBIs in 140 games, largely saw time at second base (99 games) and first (42).
The Sox acquired Curtis Mead from the Tampa Bay Rays on July 31, and he hit .240 with 11 RBIs in 41 games, playing mostly third base (22 games) and first (13).
Vargas, Sosa, Mead and second baseman Chase Meidroth are right-handed hitters. Montgomery is the only left-handed-hitting infielder on the 40-man roster.
The Sox would like to have a little more balance in the group and are vying for another left-handed-hitting option.
“We have an ability to cover those positions and be fairly productive,” Getz said of the corner spots, “but I think there’s going to be some opportunity in just balancing that attack a little bit better.
“We’ve got some potential production there, but I think we can position ourselves a little bit better.”