Getz feels White Sox are headed in the right direction

CHICAGO -- The White Sox have a goal to win games, just like Major League Baseball’s other 29 teams.

Coming off a 121-loss season, though, their success in 2025 ultimately might not be measured in finishing .500 or even winning 70-to-75 times. But there is a noticeable level of hope for general manager Chris Getz that is built into this present state of the team’s rebuild.

"Well I think the most obvious thing is where our farm system is currently and where it was a year ago,” Getz said during a press conference with manager Will Venable at Rate Field on Thursday afternoon. “We were fortunate to make some really, we feel like, smart acquisitions. Obviously the Garrett Crochet deal got the most attention, but [also] this past Draft and most recent international signings.

“You know, from the beginning, I’ve been very committed to building the foundational pieces of the organization. We are at the point where we’ve got some really tangible things to point to. I’ve talked about it before when we were going through the interview process -- I’m not so sure Will joins the Chicago White Sox a year ago based on where things were. But because we were so committed in improving so many different processes throughout the organization, Will was comfortable joining. He believes in the vision that we have.”

Venable and Getz will be building upon that vision beginning with pitchers and catchers reporting to Camelback Ranch on Feb. 12 for Spring Training in Glendale, Ariz. They will be discussing that same vision Friday night at the Ramova Theatre, located a half-mile from the ballpark, for the start of SoxFest Live’s two days of programming as the winter festivities return to the South Side for the first time since 2020.

Fans understand and quietly applaud the growth of the White Sox infrastructure and the move of the Minor League system to one of the top overall. Then again, they are far from satisfied by the 222 losses amassed over the last two seasons and might have to deal with another year where wins won’t be plentiful.

Wins are part of the development process. But as Getz pointed out, with a young developing roster, there will be moments where they have to think bigger picture, long term, and what’s best for the players to reach their ceiling.

“We're looking for our players, both individually and as a team, to make steps forward. Now, sometimes it's going to show up with wins,” Getz said. “Sometimes it’s going to show up with losses. And that's just part of the game. It's truly understanding each player, what they need to do to be successful at the Major League level. And certainly it’s playing together and understanding what it takes to win baseball games.

“There are going to be moments where you get frustrated. But that's where Will and the staff come in and take advantage of those teaching moments for these players to progress. There's certainly a lot of different ways to measure success in this upcoming season. We've got new players in the organization, we've got players that'll be reaching the Major Leagues for the first time in their careers. So we’re set out to create an environment for these guys to be comfortable and going out there and executing.”

That execution part is where Venable and his staff come into play. Venable has been working through the Spring Training plan with his staff -- with the daily scheduling being handled by catching coach Drew Butera -- while also developing a relationship with players via offseason conversations.

As for an objective for this first Spring Training, Venable starts with support players to accomplish things they need to accomplish on a daily basis.

“Spring Training is a great opportunity to really get in the weeds on those things,” Venable said. “Help these guys build their routines that we know are going to carry them throughout the season and help them be at their best.”

“I’m really proud of what Will has done with our staff and connecting with our players so far,” Getz said. “The talent pool has really improved. We are going to look to develop the talent and continue to add and hopefully some special things happen fairly quickly … But when it comes to wins and losses at the Major League level, we are going to do everything we can to put our players in a position to have success and because of that, wins will come our way.”