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.

Chuck Garfien’s Spring Training Podcast-pa-looza rolls on with White Sox non-roster invitee Jarred Kelenic, who explains why signing with the South Side felt like the right move at this stage of his career. The Waukesha, Wisconsin, native reflects on growing up playing ball in the Chicago area, handling the spotlight as a former top-10 prospect, and the whirlwind path that took him from being drafted by the New York Mets to a blockbuster trade involving Robinson Cano and Edwin Diaz that sent him to the Seattle Mariners. Kelenic opens up about the adversity and growth that have shaped his confidence today, why he believes he’s always swung the bat well at Rate Field and Wrigley Field, and how those experiences fuel his belief in what he can bring to the club. He also shares his outlook on what the 2026 White Sox could become and the role he hopes to carve out moving forward.

Chuck Garfien’s Spring Training Podcast-pa-looza rolls on as Brooke Fletcher joins the show with the latest on Munetaka Murakami and his transition to the White Sox. Chuck shares a lighthearted English lesson with Murakami, while Brooke provides insight into his interpreter, Kenzo Yagi, and the dynamic helping him adjust on and off the field. Murakami also recounts witnessing a car accident on his way to the ballpark. The episode breaks down Murakami’s first couple of games in a Sox uniform and what early impressions are forming around his game. Plus, Chuck reacts to comments from Jordan Hicks about the 2026 White Sox and what they signal about the direction of the club.

Chuck Garfien’s Spring Training Podcast-pa-looza rolls on with former White Sox infielder Matt Davidson, who reflects on his time on the South Side and the unforgettable moment in 2018 when he launched three home runs on Opening Day against the Royals in Kansas City. Now playing in the KBO after a 2023 season in Japan’s NPB, Davidson breaks down the similarities and differences between baseball overseas and in MLB, including his experience facing Munetaka Murakami. He also discusses what he expects from Murakami in 2026 with the White Sox, what continues to drive him to play, and how much longer he sees himself staying in the game.

Chuck Garfien’s Spring Training Podcast-pa-looza continues with White Sox catcher Edgar Quero as he heads into his sophomore season. He breaks down his work on framing, what he’s learning from bench coach Walker McKinven, and why he supports the ABS challenge system from a catcher’s point of view, while also sharing how he felt at the plate and the kind of hitter he believes he can become. Quero discusses his offseason training at Driveline Baseball and how it’s shaping his growth. He highlights pitchers who stand out to him, explains how he fooled runners with pickoffs last season, weighs in on Munetaka Murakami, and shares why he believes the 2026 Sox can push for a postseason spot.

Chuck Garfien’s Spring Training Podcast-pa-looza rolls on with new White Sox outfielder Austin Hays, who explains why he chose the South Side and what he sees brewing inside the 2026 clubhouse. Hays reflects on going from 110 losses to 101 wins in a two-year span in Baltimore and draws parallels to a Sox team looking to rebound from a 102-loss season, while sharing what he can bring to help spark that turnaround. He also compares this group to last year’s Reds club that battled through adversity to reach the postseason. Hays opens up about overcoming a kidney infection in 2024 and how a conversation with Kyle Schwarber helped him address the issues he was dealing with, plus his strong relationship with hitting director Ryan Fuller, who played a key role in his 2023 All-Star campaign. He offers advice to Colson Montgomery on avoiding a sophomore slump and gives his early impressions of the 2026 Sox. And yes, he gives his two cents on Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami, too.

Chuck Garfien sits down with White Sox top prospect Noah Schultz to break down the growth he’s made since being drafted and how adversity shaped his 2025 season. Schultz opens up about battling knee tendinitis, what he learned during the downtime, and why he’s entering 2026 confident and ready for a bounce-back year. He also explains how simplifying his mechanics has taken his game to another level. Schultz talks about his offseason workouts alongside Luis Robert Jr., Juan Soto, Mark Vientos, and Joey Gallo, and what he’s picked up from training with them. He talks about how he looked up to future Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw and the process behind developing his signature pitch. Plus, Chuck asks whether he’s looking forward to a future showdown with new Sox slugger Munetaka Murakami.

Chuck Garfien’s Spring Training Podcast-pa-looza keeps rolling with White Sox pitching prospect Tanner McDougal, who opens up about the adversity he faced in 2024 and the adjustments that fueled his resurgence in 2025. He shares what he learned during the toughest stretch of his career and how that shaped his mentality heading into camp. McDougal also dives into some lighter moments, including his first taste of Malört at SoxFest and explains how events like the club’s annual spring golf outing help strengthen the bond throughout the organization. The Las Vegas native reflects on growing up in the desert, the path that led him to pro ball, and his connection to White Sox legend Frank Thomas. Plus, he names a sleeper prospect Sox fans should circle for 2026. Later, Chuck catches up with White Sox reliever Ryan Borucki, the Mundelein, Illinois native who grew up a diehard Sox fan. Borucki shows off his South Side roots by rattling off the entire 2005 lineup and talks about what it means to wear the uniform of the team he followed as a kid.

Chuck Garfien’s Spring Training Podcast-pa-looza rolls on with White Sox pitcher Mike Vasil, who’s carving out a unique role on the staff. Vasil discusses embracing his versatility on the mound and what it meant to lead all rookie relievers in innings pitched last season. Vasil also explains why he calls himself “Batman” and shares a behind-the-scenes glimpse of rooming with catcher and close friend Kyle Teel during spring training. Vasil makes it clear why he believes this White Sox team will surprise people, pointing to the club’s relentless, never-quit mentality and more.

Chuck Garfien’s Spring Training Podcast-pa-looza continues with a sit-down featuring White Sox left-hander Anthony Kay, who signed with the club in December after two standout seasons in Japan. Kay reflects on his time overseas, including memorable matchups against fellow White Sox newcomer Munetaka Murakami, and shares what it was like competing against him. Kay walks Chuck through his baseball journey and how it closely resembles Erick Fedde’s journey, while also explaining the style of pitcher he became in Japan and how that experience should translate this season. He opens up about adjusting back to the 5-man rotation, offers Chuck a quick Japanese language lesson, reacts to Murakami calling him “nasty,” and gives his early impressions of what kind of player Sox fans can expect Murakami to be.

Chuck Garfien’s Spring Training Podcast-pa-looza kicks off with Sox Machine and Baseball America writer James Fegan joining the show for a wide-ranging conversation centered on one big question: what should fans realistically expect from the White Sox this season? From overall confidence in the direction of the club to how the roster might shake out, the discussion covers it all. The conversation rolls through big-picture topics, including the offseason move that mattered most, what to expect from Munetaka Murakami, which player could make a major leap, and a few under-the-radar names. They also look ahead to positional battles, Lenyn Sosa’s Opening Day role, who might debut first between Hagen Smith and Noah Schultz, and whether the Sox can win 80 or more games. It’s a thoughtful check-in on where the Sox stand—and where they could be headed.

Chuck Garfien brings you the best moments from SoxFest 2026. The episode opens with highlights from a fan-packed panel including Senior Vice President and General Manager Chris Getz alongside manager Will Venable, as they share insight into the team’s direction and what they’re building toward this season. Chuck also goes one-on-one with several players making headlines. Catcher Kyle Teel discusses mixing baseball and music after playing guitar live in front of the SoxFest crowd and looks ahead to his sophomore season, while infielder Miguel Vargas brings up the texts he received from Luis Robert Jr. after the trade to the Mets. The episode wraps up with young star Colson Montgomery, who talks about building on his strong rookie year and what he’s focused on next.

Chuck Garfien is joined by his TV partner and 2005 World Series Champion Ozzie Guillen for a conversation about the direction of the White Sox and why Ozzie believes this team will be more exciting to watch in 2026. Guillen also explains why he has confidence in the Sox starting rotation heading into the season. The discussion shifts to roster moves and player evaluations, including Ozzie’s reaction to the Luis Robert Jr. trade and his inside take on Luisangel Acuña, Everson Pereira, and Munetaka Murakami. Ozzie also weighs in on comments from Francisco Lindor, the addition of relief pitcher Seranthony Domínguez, and whether this White Sox team is positioned to take a real step forward this upcoming season.

Chuck Garfien is joined by White Sox field reporter Connor McKnight to break down one of the biggest moves of the offseason, Luis Robert Jr. being dealt to the New York Mets and what it means for the organization moving forward. The duo also digs into Chris Getz’s role in reshaping the roster and the return headlined by Luisangel Acuña. From there, the conversation turns to the ripple effects of the trade, expectations for Robert in 2026, how the White Sox might deploy their new financial flexibility, and where the front office could look to invest as the next phase of the rebuild takes shape.

Chuck Garfien welcomes MLB Network host and play-by-play announcer Matt Vasgersian to the show. The two dive into sports broadcasting, with Vasgersian opening up about his long-standing affinity for the legendary Ken "The Hawk" Harrelson. The conversation also explores Vasgersian’s connection to the White Sox, tracing it back to his Athletics fandom and highlighting some of his favorite players to ever wear the uniform. Along the way, he pays tribute to the late Wilbur Wood, reflects on baseball figures he wishes he could have interviewed, and shares his perspective on the direction of the White Sox as an organization.

White Sox fans take the mic as Chuck Garfien is joined by Sox reporter Brooke Fletcher to break down the boldest, wildest hot takes heading into the 2026 season. From extreme optimism to full-on doom scenarios, the duo reacts to fan predictions ranging from AL MVP chatter to postseason aspirations—and everything in between. The conversation also touches on belief in bounce-back and breakthrough storylines, including whether Luis Robert Jr. can rediscover his All-Star form and reestablish himself as a franchise centerpiece. Plus, fans weigh in on the idea that a new wave of Sox rookies could debut in 2026 and make an immediate impact, and much more.

Chuck Garfien is joined by former #1 pick and current White Sox Special Assistant of Player Development Phil Nevin for a wide-ranging conversation on his baseball career and his role with the White Sox. Nevin looks back on his playing days, reflects on what it was like sharing a clubhouse with Tony Gwynn, and offers his perspective on Shohei Ohtani. He also discusses being in the mix for the White Sox managerial job before the team hired Will Venable and explains his current focus on player development within the organization. The conversation then turns to the White Sox pipeline and the people shaping it. Nevin shares his thoughts on top prospect Roch Cholowsky and his relationship with UCLA head coach John Savage, along with the type of people the White Sox are prioritizing as they build the organization. Plus, he breaks down what Sam Antonacci brings to the system, how close Braden Montgomery is to the big leagues, and his take on Chad Pinder joining the organization in 2025.