White Sox GM Rick Hahn Heads to GM Meetings, Resisting Shortcuts
No Quick Fixes for the White Sox
With the two-month project that was a managerial hire complete – step right up into the sad state of affairs that was the White Sox in 2024, Will Venable – general manager Chris Getz can now focus on the team Venable will guide during his first year as a manager.
The vision Getz and Venable have goes beyond 2025, however, and you know what that means in 2024: Potentially another 100 loss season following 101 and 121 in the last two seasons, especially knowing chairman Jerry Reinsdorf isn’t committing much in the way of payroll as a way of sprucing up a team in over its head against a revitalized AL Central Division.
No Shortcuts for the White Sox
“It’s not taking any shortcuts,” Getz said Thursday after Venable was hired. “And sometimes that can be painful at times for fans because there could be a move somewhere that will perhaps add a win for our 2025 season. But you want to build something sustainable.”
Which means All-Star left-hander Garrett Crochet, 25, who some would say profiles as the perfect building block for a sustainable starting rotation, might get traded this offseason. The Sox believe their young pitching is promising, and Crochet, with two years of club control before he can enter free agency, could net more than one young hitter needed for a lineup that produced the worst offense in baseball.
Meetings with GMs
At the general managers meetings in San Antonio this week, Getz can meet face to face with GMs to discuss possibilities. Center fielder Luis Robert Jr., the Sox’ 2023 All-Star who was stung once again by an injury and a poor season in 2024, is another trade possibility. In Robert’s case, though, the Sox would be dealing away a potential star at a premium position and depleting their lineup even more, not to mention while selling low on him after he batted .224/.278/.379 with 14 homers and 23 stolen bases in 100 games.
No Easy Deals
Opposing GMs plucked right-handers Erick Fedde and Michael Kopech and outfielder Tommy Pham from Getz at the trade deadline this summer in deals that brought third baseman/outfielder Miguel Vargas and two prospects from the Dodgers to the Sox. After batting .239/.313/.423 in 30 games for the Dodgers, Vargas hit just .104/.313/.423 getting regular playing time in 42 games for the Sox.
Getz could have dealt Crochet at the deadline, too, but wasn’t satisfied with the return. His trade chips, especially Crochet, figure to be pocketed by numerous GMs of contending teams gathering in San Antonio.
A Path Forward
“Obviously, we’re just getting the offseason started,” Getz said. “[Thursday was] essentially Day 1, officially, for a lot of free agents. There certainly will be a lot of trade interest in some of our players, and we’ll go down that path.”
Deals could bring immediate offensive help to complement a young pitching core including Jonathan Cannon, Drew Thorpe, Davis Martin, Sean Burke, Prelander Berroa, Jared Shuster, Jordan Leasure, Fraser Ellard, Jairo Iriarte, and perhaps Crochet. As of now, Getz isn’t sure what the Opening Day lineup will look like, but if it includes Andrew Benintendi, Andrew Vaughn, and Robert, he’ll be banking on better starts to their seasons than what they had in 2024.
Conclusion
The White Sox are focused on building a sustainable team, which may mean taking a step back and making tough decisions. Getz has emphasized the importance of long-term thinking and staying disciplined in their approach. As the offseason gets underway, fans will be eager to see how the team shapes up.
FAQs
* What is the White Sox’ approach to building a sustainable team?
The team is focused on building a strong foundation and making smart, long-term moves rather than taking shortcuts.
* What are the team’s plans for the offseason?
The team will be active in trade talks and may make moves to improve the offense and pitching.
* What is the status of Garrett Crochet?
Crochet, a 25-year-old left-hander, is a potential trade chip and may be dealt this offseason.
* What is the team’s outlook for the 2025 season?
The team is focused on building a strong foundation and is not looking for a quick fix. They are banking on better starts from players like Andrew Benintendi, Andrew Vaughn, and Luis Robert Jr. in 2025.
