Chris Getz and Will Venable undoubtedly appear to grasp that incomes fan loyalty will not be a simple job. Fresh off considered one of the strongest offseasons in latest membership historical past and a 19-game enchancment from 2024, the White Sox entrance workplace should steadiness offering followers with hope for the future whereas protecting their deal with the membership’s younger expertise. After the first night of SoxFest 2026, it’s clear that Getz and Venable are dedicated to doing simply that and doing it proper.
Throughout a night of vibrant music, participating interviews, and participant meet-and-greets, the similar key messages had been reiterated to season ticket holders and press desirous to know what this 12 months will deliver to Chicago’s rebuild.
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Young growth above all
Despite the newest addition of veteran outfielder Austin Hayes, growth stays the key focus. When requested whether or not the major purpose this season is participant growth or enjoying .500 baseball, Venable emphasised that the two go hand in hand. The skipper informed Sox insider and reporter Connor McKnight on stage, “Both. The expectations are growing here … development is not something we do without winning, and that is what we do to get to win. ”
And that’s not only a sugar-coated entrance workplace reply to excuse a 100-loss season. It’s evident in SoxFest itself. Anthony Kay was the solely featured veteran, with most consideration paid in direction of upcoming sophomores and even soon-to-be Charlotte Knights Tanner McDougal and Sam Antonacci.
Beyond SoxFest, Getz and Venable know that these younger gamers will drive the group’s success for years to come back. Miguel Vargas and Mike Vasil had been named the “glue guys” in the clubhouse for their personalities, skill to speak with everybody, and management. The religion and belief positioned in these gamers who haven’t reached their prime present the place the Sox are prioritizing their money and time.
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Building a company, not only a crew
The Sox know that, with a stringent price range, the greatest funding for sustainable success lies in the entrance workplace. Getz highlighted particularly the growth and development of analysis as a big enchancment this offseason. With labs in Arizona and Chicago, knowledge is changing into the coronary heart of participant growth. Venable added that emphasis on well being, particularly with the medical and vitamin workers, can also be a important element to profitable.
In his nearly three years of serving as Chicago’s GM, Getz is getting the group caught as much as league requirements. Although there’s nonetheless loads of progress to be made, the South Siders are lastly taking a web page out of the Rays and Guardians playbooks and spending cash on one thing that carries no threat of damage or sudden decline.
Attitude and ethic matter
Part of making a franchise is fostering a clubhouse that holds gamers accountable. Getz and Venable made it clear that the chaotic clubhouse from the early 2020s gained’t be tolerated. As seen final 12 months, Venable units the expectation that perspective, effort, and aggressiveness are anticipated on the first day of Spring Training. Getz doubled down on the sentiment, calling out that it begins even earlier than guys don a Sox uniform. He recalled the Garrett Crochet commerce final offseason and the technique of vetting Chase Meidroth, Kyle Teel, Braden Montgomery, and Wikelman Gonzalez earlier than finalizing the commerce: “If we’re going to build a foundation, let’s make sure we know what we’re getting.”
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That excessive commonplace was evident in interviews with gamers all through the occasion. Teel is ready to reach in Glendale almost every week earlier than pitchers and catchers report, desirous to get an early soar. Vargas stated he hasn’t stopped coaching since the season ended, carrying momentum straight into the offseason. Across the board, the message was clear that this group of gamers isn’t ready round. They’re bold, excited, motivated, and able to get again on the area.
SoxFest is an opportunity to point out its supporters why they need to imagine on this franchise. Both followers and the press left on Friday feeling that the group appears to be headed in the proper course. Be certain to test again for our SoxFest Day 2 protection proper right here at South Side Sox!