Locked On White Sox - Daily Podcast On The Chicago White Sox

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Awards HUNGRY: Why Colson Montgomery, Shane Smith and the White Sox Must Chase MVPs and Win Big Nov 11, 2025

Show notes

Chicago White Sox rookies rack up awards and build hope for bigger achievements—can Colson Montgomery and Shane Smith become future MVP and Cy Young contenders? Host Todd Welter breaks down the latest accolades, including AL Rookie of the Year voting, MLB Pipeline first-team honors, and what it means for the organization's rebuild. The spotlight shines on Montgomery’s power surge, Smith’s pitching promise, and how emerging talents like Kyle Teal and Edgar Carroll might transform the White Sox’s winning potential.

The episode also tackles the Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz pitch rigging scandal, comparing its severity to the infamous 1919 Black Sox controversy. Key topics include the impact of legalized sports betting, harsh punishments for game integrity violations, and fan mailbag questions on Trent Grisham, Andrew Benintendi trades, and choosing the White Sox as your team. Will Chicago’s youngsters turn accolades into championships, or is frustration inevitable under current ownership?

0:00 – White Sox Rookies’ Accolades
Discussion on recent recognition for White Sox rookies, their award achievements, and the hope for future MVP and Cy Young contenders.

9:28 – MLB Gambling Scandal vs. Black Sox
Analysis of the Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz gambling scandal, comparing its seriousness to the 1919 Black Sox, plus thoughts on gambling's growing influence in sports.

21:02 – White Sox Mailbag & Trade Talk
Listener mailbag: Following the Sox as a new fan, Trent Grisham as a Luis Robert Jr. replacement, and thoughts on trading Andrew Benintendi for Jonathan India.

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Colson Montgomery, Kyle Teel, and Edgar Quero are poised to DELIVER long-term VALUE to the White Sox Nov 10, 2025

Show notes

Chicago White Sox rookies earn national praise—can Colson Montgomery, Kyle Teel, Edgar Quero, and Grant Taylor deliver lasting impact on the South Side? MLB.com's new rankings highlight the long-term value these players may offer, but will they rise beyond one-season wonders and build superstar careers fans crave?

Todd Welter breaks down how the White Sox's young core could reshape the roster while spotlighting Derek Shomon’s hiring as hitting coach. Key topics include the vital need to improve hitting with runners in scoring position, the Arizona Fall League performances of Hagen Smith, Sam Antonacci, and Braden Montgomery, and the effect of minor league free agency losses on organizational depth.

0:00 – White Sox Rookies’ Long-Term Value

Todd Welter opens the show discussing MLB.com’s Jim Callis ranking four White Sox rookies among top 40 for long-term impact, breaking down each rookie’s profile, strengths, and what they need to improve to become core contributors.

10:55 – New Hitting Coach Impact

Todd Welter analyzes the hiring of Derek Shomon as the White Sox's new hitting coach, including his Chicago ties, prior success with the Marlins/Twins, and what he brings to improve the team’s struggling approach with runners in scoring position.

18:15 – AFL Prospects & Minor League Moves

Todd Welter recaps the White Sox prospects’ performance at the Arizona Fall League Fall Star Game, the implications for Sam Antonacci, Hagen Smith, Braden Montgomery, and reviews the minor league free agents leaving the organization, plus thoughts on system depth.

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Why Lucas Giolito Won’t SIGN with the White Sox | Dustin May or Cody Ponce make more SENSE to sign Nov 07, 2025

Show notes

The Chicago White Sox face a pivotal offseason as rumors swirl about a potential Lucas Giolito reunion, but is a return realistic for the former ace? With GM Chris Getz focused on short-term deals and younger arms ready to rise, the South Side pitching strategy could shift dramatically. Can prospects like Noah Schultz and Tanner McDougal fill the rotation, or will high-risk signings like Dustin May or KBO standout Cody Ponce provide the answers?

Host Todd Welter breaks down Giolito’s contract hurdles, the owner’s spending habits, and the risks of locking up aging pitchers. Key topics include the team’s approach in free agency, fan opinions on Luis Robert Jr.’s $20 million option, and the impact of landing the No. 1 overall draft pick. Insightful polls and sharp analysis highlight what the White Sox need most to spark a successful rebuild. Will smart veteran signings or an injection of young talent shift the franchise’s future?

0:00 – Giolito White Sox Reunion Debate
Discussion about the possibility of Lucas Giolito returning to the White Sox, why it's unlikely, analysis of his contract expectations, past arbitration disputes, and fit for current rotation needs.

9:40 – Realistic Free Agent Pitching Options
Breakdown of practical starting pitcher targets for the White Sox, including Cody Ponce and Dustin May, their profiles, contract projections, and upside versus risk compared to Giolito.

19:04 – Fan Polls & Offseason Outlook
Review of three fan polls on the YouTube channel: Luis Robert Jr.'s contract, most impactful offseason moves, and feelings about the spending plan. Includes Todd Welter’s analysis and opinions on each poll and overall club direction.

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White Sox Free Agency Strategy DISAPPOINTS | Luis Robert Jr is not ELITE anymore Nov 06, 2025

Show notes

White Sox GM Chris Getz discusses limited free agency plans for 2026, focusing on pitching (which is fine) over long-term signings at first (which is disappointing); Luis Robert Jr.'s status debated.

Chicago White Sox foreshadow a quiet offseason as GM Chris Getz signals another year of one-year deals and “bridge” players. Will fan frustration boil over as stars like Josh Naylor and Pete Alonso remain out of reach? Getz emphasizes protecting young arms and bolstering the pitching staff, hinting at targeted moves for relievers and starters rather than splashy long-term signings.

Host Todd Welter explores the consequences of passing on top free agent talent at first base and debates the true value of Luis Robert Jr.—elite centerpiece or merely a supporting cast member? The episode highlights Chicago’s budget constraints, opportunities to flip veterans at the trade deadline, and questions about the White Sox’s long-term vision. Plus, a look back: did Kenny Lofton’s brief South Side stint warrant greater Hall of Fame consideration? The path forward may hinge on developing prospects, but is Chicago wasting a chance to accelerate their rebuild?

0:00 – White Sox Free Agency Plan
Overview of Chris Getz’s latest comments about approaching free agency conservatively, the likely focus on one-year deals, and Todd Welter's initial reactions.

2:56 – Getz Interview: Roster Philosophy
Chris Getz shares GM perspective, explaining the reasoning behind short-term moves, emphasis on player development, and offseason priorities (especially pitching).

4:28 – Sox Payroll/Position Needs
Todd Welter analyzes payroll flexibility, prospects, shortcomings at first base, and missed opportunities to sign a medium-term solution.

11:14 – Robert Jr. “Elite” Debate
Mailbag segment: Todd Welter addresses a fan comment about Luis Robert Jr.'s status and dissects his value, injury history, and GM/beat writer opinions.

19:30 – Throwback Thursday: Kenny Lofton
Discussion about Kenny Lofton missing the Hall of Fame ballot cut, his brief Sox tenure, and broader thoughts on HOF voting for similar stars.

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3 reasons the White Sox bringing back Luis Robert Jr. looks FOOLISH despite the logic behind it Nov 05, 2025

Show notes

Chicago White Sox gamble on Luis Robert Jr.’s $20 million option—will elite center field defense outweigh back-to-back slumps at the plate? With trade value diminished and injury woes mounting, is clinging to the last link of the failed rebuild a bold move or a stubborn misstep?

Todd Welter breaks down Chris Getz’s offseason decisions, spotlighting Robert Jr.’s declining production, the overvalued contracts, and the team’s thin outfield alternatives. The episode covers the hiring of Zach Bove from the Kansas City Royals, exploring modern pitching analytics and how fresh coaching could boost internal development for arms like Shane Smith and Noah Schultz. Plus, Martin Perez declines his mutual option—what’s next for the rotation and White Sox’s budget strategy? Get sharp analysis on whether Chicago is truly ready for a new chapter or stuck chasing past potential.

0:00 – White Sox Moves & Luis Robert Jr. Option
Episode opens with Todd Welter reacting to the White Sox’s major roster moves, focusing on the rationales—and perceived foolishness—behind exercising Luis Robert Jr.'s option.

11:30 – Pitching Coach Hire & Analytics
Todd Welter transitions to analyze the Zach Bove pitching coach hire, explaining the benefits of tapping into the Royals organization and the team’s new focus on analytics-driven pitcher development.

27:25 – Martin Perez Option & Rotation Needs
Discussion shifts to Martin Perez declining his mutual option, why this was surprising, and the state of the White Sox starting rotation moving forward—including opinions on veteran pitching needs and possible free agent targets.

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FutureSox's Dylan Barnas EXPOSES why White Sox trading young catchers would be a DISASTROUS mistake Nov 04, 2025

Show notes

Chicago White Sox face a catching conundrum with Kyle Teel and Edgar Quero both showing promise behind the plate. Should the organization trade one for positional help, or embrace the luxury of elite depth at baseball's most demanding position?

Dylan Barnas from FutureSox.net and JustBaseball.com breaks down why the White Sox should prioritize bullpen upgrades over position players this offseason, targeting middle-tier relievers who can be flipped at the deadline. The conversation explores managing playing time between the two catchers and veteran outfielders Andrew Benintendi and Mike Tauchman, while examining top prospects Tanner McDougal and Noah Schultz who could impact the 2025 rotation. Braden Montgomery's elite power potential draws comparisons to Jermaine Dye, and the second base competition between Sam Antonacci and Chase Meidroth heats up heading into spring training

0:00 Intro

0:49 The White Sox catcher dilemma explained

2:32 Trading young catchers is difficult

5:14 Let the catching situation play out

7:27 Korey Lee's role as third catcher

15:24 Why relievers are worth the investment

18:50 Top prospects to watch next season

20:55 Tanner McDougal's breakout pitching season

23:27 Braden Montgomery's power potential

26:02 Montgomery's plate discipline improvements

29:53 Chase Meidroth on thin ice

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White Sox OFFSEASON Could Be EVENTFUL Despite Low Expectations Nov 03, 2025

Show notes

The White Sox will likely not have a headline-grabbing offseason. Three things can happen for the White Sox to still have an eventful one.

Host Todd Welter breaks down why December 9th's MLB Draft Lottery could be monumental for the White Sox, with five legitimate number-one prospects available in 2026. He analyzes the December 10th Rule 5 Draft strategy, emphasizing the need for high-velocity pitchers after last year's successful additions. The discussion covers crucial coaching hires for pitching and hitting development, budget allocation for veteran support, and realistic win improvement targets for 2026.

Key topics include way-too-early power rankings from ESPN, USA Today, and The Athletic, plus an in-depth Minor League Monday report on top prospect Brandon Montgomery's dominant Arizona Fall League performance.

0:00 Intro

1:04 How an Underwhelming Offseason Can Be Eventful

2:36 MLB Draft Lottery Could Be Monumental

5:10 Rule 5 Draft Strategy and Pitching Focus

6:42 Importance of Coaching Hires for Development

9:45 White Sox Power Rankings and Expectations

17:20 Athletic's Lazy Take on White Sox Future

19:22 Minor League Monday Arizona Fall League Report

23:25 Brandon Montgomery's Impressive AFL Performance

26:31 First Base Prospects Pushing for Opportunities

27:32 Hagen Smith Shows Improved Command

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Colson Montgomery's journey to ICON status could REDEFINE White Sox's future Oct 31, 2025

Show notes

Colson Montgomery crushed 21 home runs in just 71 games. Can the Chicago White Sox rookie reach the iconic status of Frank Thomas and Paul Konerko?

Todd Welter breaks down what separates stars from true Chicago baseball legends, analyzing Montgomery's power surge and the improvements needed to sustain excellence over a full season. The discussion covers free agent targets at first base and right field, with Ryan O'Hearn and Mike Tauchman leading fan polls. Shane Smith's stamina concerns take center stage as the young pitcher must build endurance beyond his career-high 134 innings. Plus, a humorous segment explores what sports questions fans should ask Pope Leo XIV, the Chicago native and White Sox fan who sat at Game 1 of the 2005 World Series.

0:00 Intro

0:35 Can Colson Montgomery Reach Icon Status?

3:37 Dreaming About Montgomery's Ceiling and Potential

6:40 What It Takes to Become a Chicago Icon

9:44 Fan Poll Results: First Base and Right Field

13:17 Should Mike Tauchman Return to the White Sox?

16:21 Shane Smith's Biggest Area for Improvement

19:24 Sports Questions We Should Ask Pope Leo

24:33 Pope's Chicago Sports Fandom and Favorite Teams

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White Sox players whose starter or roster status is on THIN ICE Oct 30, 2025

Show notes

Host Todd Welter analyzes the precarious positions of key White Sox players heading into 2025 offseason and next spring training. Chase Meidroth's lack of power threatens his status as the long-term second baseman despite solid on-base skills. Curtis Mead, Bryan Ramos, Sean Burke, and Jonathan Cannon face a make-or-break spring training.

Tim Elko's ACL surgery likely ends his big league hopes after the organization repeatedly passed him over despite Triple-A dominance. The discussion also covers the Minnesota Twins' controversial hiring of Derek Shelton and what it reveals about organizational dysfunction similar to past White Sox mistakes.

0:00 Intro

2:05 Players Who Need Strong Spring Training

5:08 Chase McDraw's Long-Term Starter Status Concerns

8:12 Jonathan Cannon's Struggles and Future Role

11:15 Tim Elko's ACL Surgery and Roster Impact

15:19 Elko's Diminishing Value in Organization Depth Chart

18:23 Twins Hire Derek Shelton as Manager

21:26 Minnesota's Insular Hiring Process Raises Questions

25:01 White Sox Opportunity to Surpass Twins

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White Sox All-Star Shane Smith's Path to Cy Young-winning ACE Status DEMANDS Three Improvements Oct 29, 2025

Show notes

Shane Smith was an All-Star in 2025, but can the Chicago White Sox pitcher make the leap to elite ace status? The gap between dominant stuff and consistent excellence requires three critical improvements.

Todd Welter breaks down Smith's path forward, analyzing his stamina concerns after fading in June and July, his underutilized curveball that posted a 48.1% whiff rate, and the advanced metrics where he needs to match Cy Young caliber arms like Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes.

The discussion also examines the organizational dysfunction that followed Tony LaRussa's rehiring five years ago, when unclear leadership between Jerry Reinsdorf, Kenny Williams, and Rick Hahn contributed to the franchise's decline. Plus, the Sherman Johnson hiring from the Baltimore Orioles organization signals the White Sox's direction for their hitting coach position, with Ryan Fuller's network likely playing a key role.

0:00 Intro

1:04 Shane Smith's path from dude to ace

3:07 Stamina issues derailed Smith's rookie season

6:11 Pitch selection needs improvement for success

8:12 Comparing Smith to Cy Young winners

9:14 Tony La Russa hire marked franchise dysfunction

12:18 Jerry Reinsdorf's regret that changed everything

15:25 Would La Russa have succeeded in Chicago

17:28 Front office finally functioning with collaboration

19:29 Sherman Johnson hire signals hitting philosophy direction

22:32 Why Marcus Timms had to go

24:35 Joel McKeith makes sense as hitting coach

27:09 What the hitting coach role requires

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