The White Sox Podcast w/ Chuck Garfien

Chuck Garfien is joined by World Series champion manager and longtime TV partner Ozzie Guillen for a wide-ranging conversation on the White Sox’s early-season struggles and what it will take to turn things around. Ozzie shares why patience may be key with a roster full of new faces still learning to mesh, while also weighing in on Lenyn Sosa’s playing time and what he needs to do to earn a bigger role—even if it means getting creative defensively. The conversation goes beyond the field, with stories from Ozzie’s playing and managing days, including the scrutiny he faced taking over as manager and how he handled being a clubhouse leader while hitting ninth. Chuck and Ozzie also reflect on memorable Opening Day moments, Roger Bossard’s remarkable 60-year run as the “Sodfather,” and even a few unexpected topics—like Pope Leo XIV and Ozzie’s childhood adventures as an altar boy.

Chuck Garfien is joined by MLB writer and Emmy-nominated MLB Network contributor Anthony Castrovince to break down the White Sox’s start to their 2026 campaign and why it’s far too early to hit the panic button. They dive into the opening series against the Milwaukee Brewers, including a tough Game 3 loss, and what it reveals about where the Sox stand early in the season. Plus, reactions to Pat Murphy calling the Sox a future force in the AL Central and why that praise might carry more weight than it seems. The conversation also turns to breakout potential, with buzz building around Munetaka Murakami and Castrovince calling his power “the real deal” and possibly the steal of the offseason. They debate whether Luis Robert Jr. belongs in the early MVP conversation, look at early surprises like the Miami Marlins, and get into an interesting discussion on ABS. Plus why Castrovince wouldn’t mind seeing a World Series decided by it.

Chuck Garfien’s Spring Training Podcast-pa-looza wraps up with a conversation with White Sox manager Will Venable. He reflects on the team's hustle in the final game of the 2025 season, shares what he’s learned a year into his managerial career, and opens up about key early interactions—from his conversation with Jared Kelenic to the moment he told Shane Smith he’d be the Opening Day starter. Venable also lays out the tone he wants to establish and how he plans to be more hands-on as the team takes shape. Venable dives into the bigger picture for 2026, discussing whether this group has truly learned how to win and what kind of leap the White Sox can make this season. He touches on Miguel Vargas’ presence in the clubhouse, the mindset he wants his players to carry into the year, and how he plans to guide a young roster forward. It’s a candid, tone-setting conversation that puts a bow on Podcast-pa-looza and sets the stage for what’s ahead on the South Side in 2026.

The White Sox Podcast's Spring Training Podcast-pa-looza rolls on as White Sox Reporters Connor McKnight and Brooke Fletcher join Chuck Garfien for their annual Season Predictions Show. The crew dives into big-picture projections, including how Munetaka Murakami’s power could translate, what to expect from Colson Montgomery’s production, and where the offense might stack up across the league. They also analyze key trends like the team’s performance in one-run games, debate who could lead the club in OBP, and highlight the most impactful offseason addition and a potential breakout sleeper. To wrap things up, each guest delivers a bold prediction for the season, setting the stage for what could be a fascinating year on the South Side.

The Podcast-pa-looza rolls on as Brooke Fletcher joins the show to break down the tough news surrounding Mike Vasil, who is set to undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery. Vasil also shares his own perspective on the injury and the road ahead, offering insight into how he’s handling this major setback. Later, the duo dive into the Chicago White Sox naming their starting rotation, highlighting arms like Shane Smith, Erick Fedde, and Davis Martin, before shifting to the future. They close by previewing the Spring Breakout Game, where several White Sox prospects will get a chance to showcase their talent on a bigger stage.

Chuck Garfien’s Spring Training Podcast-pa-looza rolls on with new White Sox hitting coach Derek Shomon, who shares his first message to the team and the hunger he’s already seeing from the group in camp. He explains the kind of coach he aims to be while highlighting the collective effort from hitters this spring, including standout skills like William Bergolla Jr.’s ability to bunt and the progress Korey Lee has shown after making offseason adjustments. Shomon also discusses the development of several key players, including Colson Montgomery as he looks to build off his rookie season, and the early impressions of new slugger Munetaka Murakami, whom he calls "savvy." The conversation also touches on Luisangel Acuña, the strong impression Sam Antonacci has made in camp and on the international stage, and where Jared Kelenic stands as a non-roster invitee this spring.

Chuck Garfien’s Spring Training Podcast-pa-looza continues with White Sox prospect Braden Montgomery, who dives into the mindset that fuels his game and his passion for hitting. Montgomery discusses the challenge of developing as a switch-hitter, how he processes failure and uses it as motivation, the hype surrounding his rise, and the improvements he’s made as he pushes toward the majors. He also shares his reaction to taking Shota Imanaga deep, if he's picked any teammates' brains, and the work he’s put in this offseason to get stronger. Plus, Montgomery talks about his big-picture goals, including Hall of Fame aspirations, the type of player he hopes to become, and why he’s excited about the future of the White Sox.

Chuck Garfien’s Spring Training Podcast-pa-looza continues with a sit-down featuring White Sox outfielder Andrew Benintendi, who shares what he’s seeing from the 2026 Chicago White Sox and why he believes the club can take a step forward after a strong finish to 2025. Benintendi explains why the word “gritty” best describes the identity this team is trying to build and discusses his role as a veteran presence alongside new additions like Austin Hays and Munetaka Murakami. Benintendi also opens up about playing through an Achilles injury and the growth he’s seeing in teammates like Opening Day starter Shane Smith. Plus, he talks about his hitting relationship with his dad, his mixed feelings about the Trajekt machine (while giving Chuck some swing advice), his Italian heritage and potential World Baseball Classic future with Italy, and what he hopes fans will say about the 2026 White Sox when the season is over.

Chuck Garfien’s Spring Training Podcast-pa-looza rolls on with White Sox right-hander Grant Taylor, who joins the show after turning heads at SoxFest and building momentum late last season. Taylor reflects on the biggest lessons from his rookie year, the mentality he carried to the mound in 2025, and how finishing strong shaped his confidence heading into camp, plus what it means to hear praise from GM Chris Getz. The conversation also dives into the bullpen dynamic, from who brings the most heat to working alongside arms like Seranthony Dominguez, and he also talks about what it's like working with new pitching coach Zach Bove. Taylor shares what he emphasized this offseason, why there’s real buzz around the team, how he stays connected with Paul Skenes, and the special bond he has with his brother as his journey in pro ball continues to unfold.

Chuck Garfien’s Spring Training Podcast-pa-looza rolls on with White Sox shortstop Colson Montgomery, who opens up about returning to Arizona with a new mindset after refining his swing last season alongside White Sox hitting director Ryan Fuller. Montgomery reflects on his incredible second half, which saw him record the second-most home runs and RBIs in the A.L., the work that fueled it, and the hustle play in the final game of 2025 that defined his edge. He also shares what it’s like living in the spotlight, the text he sent prospect Billy Carlson on draft day, and how veterans have helped shape his growth. Plus, Montgomery breaks down what he’s seeing from the 2026 White Sox and why he believes this group could surprise people.

Chuck Garfien’s Spring Training Podcast-pa-looza rolls on with a deep dive into one of baseball’s most talked-about training tools: the Trajekt machine. Ryan Fuller joins the show to break down the evolution from the old model to the new, how it’s set up, what kind of feedback they’re getting from players and pitchers, and whether the results are actually translating onto the field. From usage during games to player feedback, Fuller explains why the technology is becoming a staple across clubhouses. Later, Kyle Teel jumps in to share his firsthand experience, how close Trajekt feels to facing a real pitcher, how much it’s helped his development, and the toughest arm he’s faced on the machine. He also discusses how often players use it, its success rate, and even reacts to Chuck stepping in to take a few swings himself. The episode wraps with Teel reflecting on representing his country of Italy in the World Baseball Classic.