White Sox Talk Podcast

On this episode of the White Sox Podcast, Chuck Garfien goes behind the scenes with Chris Withers, lead TV producer for White Sox broadcasts on CHSN, to unpack how Friday Night All-Access came to life. From its multi-year journey of rejections to becoming a fan-favorite feature, Withers shares how the show finally got green-lit, the massive team effort it takes to pull it off, and the unmatched player and front office buy-in it requires. They dive into the adrenaline of live TV, mic'd-up moments, clubhouse dynamics, and what's next—including a Cribs-style bullpen tour. If you've ever wondered how the magic of baseball TV happens, this one's for you.

White Sox Director of Pitching Brian Bannister joins the podcast to break down the team's new pitching philosophy and development system. He shares insights on Shane Smith, Noah Schultz, Grant Taylor, and more—plus the off speed approach, the case for knuckleballs, and how data is reshaping the Sox from top to bottom.

White Sox rookie pitcher Grant Taylor joins Chuck Garfien on this episode of The White Sox Podcast. Taylor shares what it felt like to make his MLB debut, the moment he first hit 100 mph on the radar gun, and the adjustment from starting pitcher to reliever. He talks about learning from big-league hitters, pitching with adrenaline, and why he believes in the White Sox rebuild. Plus, insight on fellow prospects like Noah Schultz and Shane Murphy, as well as his friendship with Pirates star pitcher, Paul Skenes.

On the latest White Sox Podcast, Chuck Garfien is joined by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Derrick Goold to revisit the 3-team trade that landed Miguel Vargas on the White Sox. Now Vargas is leading the Sox in nearly every offensive category and could be an All-Star, while the Cardinals may be preparing to flip Erick Fedde at the deadline. They break down how the trade looks now versus then, what could still be ahead for all three teams involved, and if a Luis Robert Jr. deal with St. Louis makes any sense.

Chuck Garfien is joined by James Fegan of Sox Machine to ask the big question: Is it time to believe in the White Sox again? They talk about the rise of Kyle Teel, Shane Smith, Chase Meidroth and others, the front office's smarter approach, and whether Colson Montgomery is next. Plus: why this rebuild feels different from the last.

White Sox hitting coach Marcus Thames joins Chuck Garfien for a deep dive into the offensive approach that's helping the team turn the corner. From situational hitting and plate discipline to the evolving identities of Luis Robert Jr., Miguel Vargas, and Kyle Teel, Thames shares insights into building a hitting culture. He also reflects on coaching Aaron Judge, his own MLB debut off Randy Johnson, and what it takes to earn trust in a clubhouse full of young talent. It's a candid, behind-the-scenes look at the grind, growth, and goals of the White Sox offense.

On the latest episode of The White Sox Podcast, Chuck Garfien breaks down one of the biggest 24 hour news days in White Sox history. Jerry Reinsdorf has an agreement in place for Justin Ishbia to potentially be the next owner of the White Sox. CHSN has struck a deal with Comcast.  It will begin broadcasting on Xfinity starting today. Plus, White Sox second ranked prospect Kyle Teel is being called up to the majors. What catcher is being sent down? And Colson Montgomery had a two homer game in Triple-A. Chuck covers it all!

Adrian Houser's journey to the South Side has been anything but ordinary. On the latest episode of The White Sox Podcast, Chuck Garfien talks with the veteran right-hander about his chaotic year across five organizations, how a reset in Triple-A led to a 72-hour fast and the carnivore diet, and why he's pitching better than ever. Houser also reflects on his infamous “throw-up games,” his immediate chemistry with rookie catcher Edgar Quero, and how he's embracing a mentor role in Chicago's rotation.

Luis Robert Jr. is in a deep slump, and Chuck Garfien is joined by Scott Merkin of MLB.com to unpack everything surrounding the White Sox center fielder—from his on-field struggles to the trade rumors swirling around him. Is the pressure getting to Robert? Can he turn it around before the deadline? And how much has his value dipped? The guys also discuss Kyle Teel working at first base in Triple-A, what that means for his development, and compare the 2025 squad to last year's team. Plus, insight on Andrew Vaughn, Edgar Quero, and whether this rebuild is finally starting to show some life.

Chuck Garfien gets the inside scoop about many of the White Sox hitters of the present and future from Director of Hitting Ryan Fuller.  They talk about how Miguel Vargas transformed himself in 2025, working with Colson Montgomery during his break from Triple-A in Arizona, plus Braden Montgomery, Kyle Teel, Andrew Vaughn, Tim Elko and more.   

Ozzie Guillen and Bruce Bochy first met when they played on the same Winter League team in Venezuela in 1984. Four decades later they remain close friends.  Chuck Garfien got them together when the Texas Rangers were in town to reminisce about their time as teammates, managing against each other, being an old school manager in the game today, Will Venable going from Bochy's bench coach to managing the White Sox and more.  

Chuck Garfien speaks with White Sox pitcher Jonathan Cannon about how he's improved as a pitcher in his second season in the majors and what it will take for the White Sox to become a winning team. Plus, a must-listen story about how Tim Elko crushed home runs in college against Cannon's Georgia Bulldogs while playing with a torn ACL, Edgar Quero's improvement as a catcher and more.  

After already surpassing their win total from April, the White Sox are playing better baseball in May.  How much better?  Chuck Garfien speaks with White Sox field reporter Connor McKnight to discuss whether the White Sox are turning the corner in the rebuild. They talk about Chase Meidroth, Edgar Quero, Miguel Vargas and Shane Smith.  Plus, is their recent play sustainable and more.  

On the day that famed organist Nancy Faust played her first White Sox game in Chicago in 15 years, Chuck Garfien joined her in the organist booth that bears her name to talk about her career, her connection with White Sox fans, walk-up music, “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye” and what it means to be back playing the organ for White Sox games this season. 

Chuck Garfien speaks with White Sox rookie catcher Edgar Quero who has quickly made an impact since being called up to the major leagues in mid-April. They talk about the feel in the clubhouse after a heartbreaking loss in Kansas City, why he got so emotional when he was told he was being called up to the majors, his approach with two strikes, the winning attitude he's bringing to the White Sox, how much he hates to lose and more.  

Chuck Garfien speaks with Hall of Famer Harold Baines about the biggest moments of his White Sox career, how he learned to be clutch, his thoughts on analytics and the way the game is played today, playing and coaching with Ozzie Guillen, receiving a heart transplant and kidney transplant on back to back days and his hopes of meeting the family that saved his life.  

Chuck Garfien speaks with pitcher Mike Vasil about his breakout April with the White Sox.  They talk about his struggles last season as a starter in Triple-A, and his 1.10 ERA out of the bullpen with the White Sox.  Plus, his Massachusetts bond with teammates Shane Smith and Sean Burke, how he was the one who told Smith he was picked up by the White Sox in the Rule-5 draft, his own story about coming to the Sox and more.  

Vinnie Duber is back on the podcast for the first time since February of 2022, just as the White Sox were expected to contend for that year's World Series. But instead, a steep decline was about to begin with many players on that team and their opponent on Opening Day in 2022 now mirrors where the White Sox are right now. Chuck and Vinnie talk about how everything fell apart so quickly and how this new era of White Sox baseball could have a much better ending than the last one. 

Chuck Garfien speaks with former Oakland A's infielder Chad Pinder who is now in his first season as manager for Class-A Kannapolis.  Chad talks about driving in the game-winning run against the White Sox in the 2020 Wildcard Series to joining the White Sox organization as a first time manager and why.  Plus, how the Cannon Ballers are on the attack this year, leading the entire minor leagues in stolen bases.  He gives his impressions of top prospects Braden Montgomery, George Wolkow, and Caleb Bonemer plus under-the-radar prospect Javier Mogollon and why he has a lot of faith in the White Sox future.

Chuck Garfien and Ozzie Guillen answer questions from White Sox fans. What are the positives they've seen comparing 2025 to 2024? When will the White Sox be contenders again? When will Tim Elko be called up? Should Cam Booser be the closer? Who was Ozzie's biggest rival as manager? And more!

It took a lot for Shane Smith to get here.  A pandemic wiped out one season. Tommy John surgery ended another.  Chuck Garfien speaks with Smith about his baseball journey, how he ended up with the White Sox in the Rule-5 Draft, the pitch mix that has fooled the likes of Shohei Ohtani, Steven Kwan and Jose Ramirez, how much his parents have meant to him in his career and more.  

It didn't take long for Chase Meidroth to make an impact with the White Sox. Chuck Garfien speaks with CHSN field reporter Brooke Fletcher about the rookie infielder who made history in his MLB debut and prevented history by breaking up Garrett Crochet's no-hitter in the 8th inning against his former team. Chuck and Brooke share stories about conversations they've had with Chase, what other people are saying about him, they give their early thoughts about Will Venable as manager and more.  

Dan Plesac knows pitching. He pitched 18 years in the majors and follows every team in the majors on MLB Network. He joined Chuck Garfien on the podcast to talk about White Sox rookie Shane Smith who has dominated the Guardians and Twins in his first two major league starts. They also discuss how Dan grew up a diehard White Sox fan, his unfulfilled dream of pitching for the White Sox, the current rebuild and hope for the future, calling 21 White Sox games later this season and more.

Chuck Garfien and White Sox field reporter Connor McKnight discuss the White Sox slow start to the season.  They share what they've liked and haven't liked so far, the biggest overreactions to what's happened, which players are flying under the radar, early season hot takes and more.  

Chuck Garfien speaks with outfielder Travis Jankowski who asked out of his contract with the Cubs during spring training to sign with the White Sox. The 11-year veteran talks about what attracted him to the South Side, the kind of baseball the White Sox will play this year, his relationship with manager Will Venable, making the best catch of his life when he robbed Andrew Vaughn of a game-winning home run last season,  the loudest voices in the White Sox clubhouse and more.  

Chuck Garfien speaks with White Sox catcher Korey Lee about Sean Burke, Shane Smith and a starting rotation that has been on fire to begin the season. Lee also talks about his new and improved batting stance and mechanical change, Andrew Vaughn's impact on his career, what manager Will Venable has brought to the team and more.   

Chuck and Ozzie are back together, talking all things White Sox in this 2025 season preview. What advice would Ozzie give to new manager Will Venable?  What should your expectations be for this season? Is there a chance the White Sox surprise people in 2025? Is a breakout season coming for Lenyn Sosa? Plus, they discuss Luis Robert Jr., Sean Burke, Miguel Vargas, Ozzie's bold prediction for 2025 and much more. 

What will happen with the White Sox in 2025? Chuck Garfien, Connor McKnight and Brooke Fletcher are looking into the future to make predictions for 2025. Who will be the best offseason addition? Who will be the most improved player? Who will be the best prospect of the year? When will Colson Montgomery make his major league debut? How many wins?  Plus, bold predictions, hot takes and more!

With Opening Day just one week away, Chuck Garfien sits down with GM Chris Getz to get a pulse of the team and what's happening behind the scenes with the White Sox as they get ready for the season. Getz explains why he believes this rebuild will be different than the last one, Will Venable's affect on the team in his first year as manager, the player the White Sox received in the Garrett Crochet trade the Red Sox didn't want to give up, current trade talk for Luis Robert Jr., if Noah Schultz and Hagen Smith could make it to the majors this season, if the White Sox will surprise people in 2025 and much more. 

Chuck Garfien speaks with White Sox insider and field reporter Connor McKnight about his new job covering the team. They then talk about 10 players who have been spring training surprises in camp: Brandon Drury, Miguel Vargas, Shane Smith, Penn Murfree and William Bergolla and more!

Chuck Garfien speaks with White Sox infielder Chase Meidroth about his knack for getting on base, his favorite stat in baseball, his favorite player, winning baseball, his love for hitting with two strikes, getting his uniform dirty, his dream of reaching the majors and more.  

Chuck Garfien and White Sox sideline reporter Brooke Fletcher react to the news that shortstop Colson Montgomery will not make the team out of spring training.  Chris Getz and Will Venable explain why Montgomery will begin the season in Triple-A.  Plus, who might be the starting shortstop on Opening Day? Then, Chuck speaks with Dylan Cease after he faced the White Sox almost one year to the day that he was traded.  

Chuck Garfien speaks with pitcher Justin Dunn, a former first round pick and top prospect who is trying to make a comeback with the White Sox. They talk about Justin's upbringing in New York, his younger brother Ryan who is a rookie with the Phoenix Suns, Kevin Durant coming to watch him pitch in a Cactus League game last week, Justin not giving up his dream of pitching once again in the big leagues and more.  

Chuck Garfien speaks with White Sox pitcher Sean Burke about growing up pitching in cold weather in Massachusetts, coming back from a shoulder injury last season, wanting to be “a horse” in the starting rotation this year, the future Hall of Famer he wants to pitch like in the majors, giving White Sox fans hope for the future and more!

You won't find 5-foot-6 second baseman Rikuu Nishida on any White Sox top 30 prospect lists, but the 23-year-old Japanese leadoff hitter has played a big role on every minor league team he's played on since the White Sox drafted him in 2023. Last season, his 114 runs scored led all of the minor leagues. Chuck Garfien speaks with Nishida, Sergio Santos, Noah Schultz and Jacob Burke about everything that the Sox under-the-radar prospect brings to the table.  

Chuck Garfien sits down with pitcher Davis Martin at spring training to talk about the “kick change” pitch he started throwing at the end of last season and how it has become a game changer for the White Sox right-hander. They discuss the impact veteran Martin Perez is having on the clubhouse, why Sean Burke is a pitcher to watch this year, his impressions of Noah Schultz and Hagen Smith and more.

Chuck Garfien celebrates the 1,000th episode of the podcast with a salute to White Sox fans for listening to the pod since its launch in 2016. Then, he speaks with 2005 World Series MVP Jermaine Dye who comes on the podcast for the very first time and answers questions from White Sox fans. Dye shares inside stories about the 2005 World Series, if he believes they are overlooked nationally and his favorite teammate from that season. Plus, Dye talks about speaking with Colson Montgomery at camp about hitting, why he retired early from the game and more. 

Chuck Garfien speaks with new White Sox outfielder Mike Tauchman about his decision to sign with the White Sox, his fighter mentality at the plate, growing up in the Chicago suburbs, his love for the game and more.  

Chuck Garfien speaks with CHSN's Brooke Fletcher who has joined the White Sox broadcast team as a sideline reporter. They talk about the many connections between her family and the White Sox, starting with Brooke's dad, Scott Fletcher, who played for the White Sox in the 1980's and 90's. Brooke shares stories about how and why she became a sportscaster, her road to the White Sox, her new job and more.  

Chuck Garfien catches up with Tim Anderson in Arizona to talk about his White Sox career, his struggles the last two seasons and his new opportunity with the Los Angeles Angels. Tim talks about how problems off the field in his personal life affected his play, the changes he made this off-season, his bond with Angels manager Ron Washington, his willingness to play outfield if necessary, the Angels starting the season at the White Sox on Opening Day and more.  

Josh Rojas saw firsthand how the Arizona Diamondbacks went from losing 110 games in 2021 to advancing to the World Series two years later. He speaks with Chuck Garfien about how seasons can go off the rails like it did with the White Sox last season and what it takes to quickly turn things around. He talks about why he focuses so much on his defense, what he's doing to improve his offense, his quest for a starting job with the White Sox and more.  

Chuck Garfien speaks with bench coach Walker McKinven about what he does behind the scenes before and during games that will put the White Sox in a better position to win 2025. He talks about his relationship with new manager Will Venable and how he is bringing what was successful with the Milwaukee Brewers to the White Sox. Plus, catcher Omar Narvaez explains why McKinven is responsible for turning his career around as a catcher.  

Chuck Garfien speaks with new White Sox pitcher Martin Perez who explains why the World Series champion signed with the White Sox and believes they will surprise people after losing 121 games last season.  Plus, why he considers himself a leader, the importance of having a good clubhouse, what will be Will Venable's greatest strength as a manager. All that and more on The White Sox Podcast w/ Chuck Garfien.