White Sox Optimistic After Winter Meetings: 'Light at the End of the Tunnel'

The White Sox brass feels momentum building throughout the organization as they leave the winter meetings in Orlando, Florida. General Manager Chris Getz noted, 'Last year, as players were joining our major-league club and performing the way they did, you began to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Now it's just shining a little bit brighter.' The team recorded a 28-37 second-half record with a positive run differential, which has piqued the interest of teams around the league. Although the White Sox did not make many moves at the winter meetings, they officially signed Anthony Kay and drafted two Rule 5 pitchers, Jedixson Paez and Alexander Alberto.

Getz expressed optimism about the team's trajectory, stating, 'We are in a position now that we feel like that's going to continue and we are only going to be able to add and get better.' The excitement surrounding the team grew after they won the 2026 draft lottery, earning the right to pick first in the upcoming draft.

Getz, who became GM in 2023, faced initial criticism but is focused on a slow rebuild, emphasizing the importance of getting the number one pick right. He has been improving the decision-making process within the organization, investing in technology and scouting.

The hiring of manager Will Venable and coaches Zach Bove and Derek Shomon has been well received, with the goal of maximizing the potential of the team's ascending major-league players. Getz acknowledged the need to build off the momentum of the team's second-half performance by augmenting the young core with veterans who can provide leadership and impact.

While executives and agents mingled at the meetings, Getz reported that no deals were struck, as the team remains committed to their process and approach. He stated, 'You look at the roster with some of these young players and you want to continue to see how things play out with them.' The focus remains on finding additions to the club through creative means, particularly in free agency.