Claim OwnershipThe White Sox Podcast w/ Chuck Garfien
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The White Sox Podcast brings you unparalleled insight and access to the White Sox. Featuring interviews with current/former players and coaches, we’ll tell you why something happened yesterday, and what’s likely going to happen tomorrow. Hosted by Chuck Garfien, we’ll bring you new episodes release every Tuesday and Thursday, and whenever news breaks.
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Chuck Garfien’s Spring Training Podcast-pa-looza rolls on with a deep dive into one of baseball’s most talked-about training tools: the Trajekt machine. Ryan Fuller joins the show to break down the evolution from the old model to the new, how it’s set up, what kind of feedback they’re getting from players and pitchers, and whether the results are actually translating onto the field. From usage during games to player feedback, Fuller explains why the technology is becoming a staple across clubhouses.
Later, Kyle Teel jumps in to share his firsthand experience, how close Trajekt feels to facing a real pitcher, how much it’s helped his development, and the toughest arm he’s faced on the machine. He also discusses how often players use it, its success rate, and even reacts to Chuck stepping in to take a few swings himself. The episode wraps with Teel reflecting on representing his country of Italy in the World Baseball Classic.
Chuck Garfien’s Spring Training Podcast-pa-looza rolls on with White Sox non-roster invitee Jarred Kelenic, who explains why signing with the South Side felt like the right move at this stage of his career. The Waukesha, Wisconsin, native reflects on growing up playing ball in the Chicago area, handling the spotlight as a former top-10 prospect, and the whirlwind path that took him from being drafted by the New York Mets to a blockbuster trade involving Robinson Cano and Edwin Diaz that sent him to the Seattle Mariners.
Kelenic opens up about the adversity and growth that have shaped his confidence today, why he believes he’s always swung the bat well at Rate Field and Wrigley Field, and how those experiences fuel his belief in what he can bring to the club. He also shares his outlook on what the 2026 White Sox could become and the role he hopes to carve out moving forward.
Chuck Garfien’s Spring Training Podcast-pa-looza rolls on as Brooke Fletcher joins the show with the latest on Munetaka Murakami and his transition to the White Sox. Chuck shares a lighthearted English lesson with Murakami, while Brooke provides insight into his interpreter, Kenzo Yagi, and the dynamic helping him adjust on and off the field. Murakami also recounts witnessing a car accident on his way to the ballpark.
The episode breaks down Murakami’s first couple of games in a Sox uniform and what early impressions are forming around his game. Plus, Chuck reacts to comments from Jordan Hicks about the 2026 White Sox and what they signal about the direction of the club.
Chuck Garfien’s Spring Training Podcast-pa-looza rolls on with former White Sox infielder Matt Davidson, who reflects on his time on the South Side and the unforgettable moment in 2018 when he launched three home runs on Opening Day against the Royals in Kansas City.
Now playing in the KBO after a 2023 season in Japan’s NPB, Davidson breaks down the similarities and differences between baseball overseas and in MLB, including his experience facing Munetaka Murakami. He also discusses what he expects from Murakami in 2026 with the White Sox, what continues to drive him to play, and how much longer he sees himself staying in the game.
Chuck Garfien’s Spring Training Podcast-pa-looza continues with White Sox catcher Edgar Quero as he heads into his sophomore season. He breaks down his work on framing, what he’s learning from bench coach Walker McKinven, and why he supports the ABS challenge system from a catcher’s point of view, while also sharing how he felt at the plate and the kind of hitter he believes he can become.
Quero discusses his offseason training at Driveline Baseball and how it’s shaping his growth. He highlights pitchers who stand out to him, explains how he fooled runners with pickoffs last season, weighs in on Munetaka Murakami, and shares why he believes the 2026 Sox can push for a postseason spot.
Chuck Garfien’s Spring Training Podcast-pa-looza rolls on with new White Sox outfielder Austin Hays, who explains why he chose the South Side and what he sees brewing inside the 2026 clubhouse. Hays reflects on going from 110 losses to 101 wins in a two-year span in Baltimore and draws parallels to a Sox team looking to rebound from a 102-loss season, while sharing what he can bring to help spark that turnaround. He also compares this group to last year’s Reds club that battled through adversity to reach the postseason.
Hays opens up about overcoming a kidney infection in 2024 and how a conversation with Kyle Schwarber helped him address the issues he was dealing with, plus his strong relationship with hitting director Ryan Fuller, who played a key role in his 2023 All-Star campaign. He offers advice to Colson Montgomery on avoiding a sophomore slump and gives his early impressions of the 2026 Sox. And yes, he gives his two cents on Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami, too.
Chuck Garfien sits down with White Sox top prospect Noah Schultz to break down the growth he’s made since being drafted and how adversity shaped his 2025 season. Schultz opens up about battling knee tendinitis, what he learned during the downtime, and why he’s entering 2026 confident and ready for a bounce-back year. He also explains how simplifying his mechanics has taken his game to another level.
Schultz talks about his offseason workouts alongside Luis Robert Jr., Juan Soto, Mark Vientos, and Joey Gallo, and what he’s picked up from training with them. He talks about how he looked up to future Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw and the process behind developing his signature pitch. Plus, Chuck asks whether he’s looking forward to a future showdown with new Sox slugger Munetaka Murakami.
Chuck Garfien’s Spring Training Podcast-pa-looza keeps rolling with White Sox pitching prospect Tanner McDougal, who opens up about the adversity he faced in 2024 and the adjustments that fueled his resurgence in 2025. He shares what he learned during the toughest stretch of his career and how that shaped his mentality heading into camp.
McDougal also dives into some lighter moments, including his first taste of Malört at SoxFest and explains how events like the club’s annual spring golf outing help strengthen the bond throughout the organization. The Las Vegas native reflects on growing up in the desert, the path that led him to pro ball, and his connection to White Sox legend Frank Thomas. Plus, he names a sleeper prospect Sox fans should circle for 2026.
Later, Chuck catches up with White Sox reliever Ryan Borucki, the Mundelein, Illinois native who grew up a diehard Sox fan. Borucki shows off his South Side roots by rattling off the entire 2005 lineup and talks about what it means to wear the uniform of the team he followed as a kid.
Chuck Garfien’s Spring Training Podcast-pa-looza rolls on with White Sox pitcher Mike Vasil, who’s carving out a unique role on the staff. Vasil discusses embracing his versatility on the mound and what it meant to lead all rookie relievers in innings pitched last season.
Vasil also explains why he calls himself “Batman” and shares a behind-the-scenes glimpse of rooming with catcher and close friend Kyle Teel during spring training. Vasil makes it clear why he believes this White Sox team will surprise people, pointing to the club’s relentless, never-quit mentality and more.
Chuck Garfien’s Spring Training Podcast-pa-looza continues with a sit-down featuring White Sox left-hander Anthony Kay, who signed with the club in December after two standout seasons in Japan. Kay reflects on his time overseas, including memorable matchups against fellow White Sox newcomer Munetaka Murakami, and shares what it was like competing against him.
Kay walks Chuck through his baseball journey and how it closely resembles Erick Fedde’s journey, while also explaining the style of pitcher he became in Japan and how that experience should translate this season. He opens up about adjusting back to the 5-man rotation, offers Chuck a quick Japanese language lesson, reacts to Murakami calling him “nasty,” and gives his early impressions of what kind of player Sox fans can expect Murakami to be.
Chuck Garfien’s Spring Training Podcast-pa-looza kicks off with Sox Machine and Baseball America writer James Fegan joining the show for a wide-ranging conversation centered on one big question: what should fans realistically expect from the White Sox this season? From overall confidence in the direction of the club to how the roster might shake out, the discussion covers it all.
The conversation rolls through big-picture topics, including the offseason move that mattered most, what to expect from Munetaka Murakami, which player could make a major leap, and a few under-the-radar names. They also look ahead to positional battles, Lenyn Sosa’s Opening Day role, who might debut first between Hagen Smith and Noah Schultz, and whether the Sox can win 80 or more games. It’s a thoughtful check-in on where the Sox stand—and where they could be headed.
Chuck Garfien brings you the best moments from SoxFest 2026. The episode opens with highlights from a fan-packed panel including Senior Vice President and General Manager Chris Getz alongside manager Will Venable, as they share insight into the team’s direction and what they’re building toward this season.
Chuck also goes one-on-one with several players making headlines. Catcher Kyle Teel discusses mixing baseball and music after playing guitar live in front of the SoxFest crowd and looks ahead to his sophomore season, while infielder Miguel Vargas brings up the texts he received from Luis Robert Jr. after the trade to the Mets. The episode wraps up with young star Colson Montgomery, who talks about building on his strong rookie year and what he’s focused on next.
Chuck Garfien is joined by his TV partner and 2005 World Series Champion Ozzie Guillen for a conversation about the direction of the White Sox and why Ozzie believes this team will be more exciting to watch in 2026. Guillen also explains why he has confidence in the Sox starting rotation heading into the season.
The discussion shifts to roster moves and player evaluations, including Ozzie’s reaction to the Luis Robert Jr. trade and his inside take on Luisangel Acuña, Everson Pereira, and Munetaka Murakami.
Ozzie also weighs in on comments from Francisco Lindor, the addition of relief pitcher Seranthony Domínguez, and whether this White Sox team is positioned to take a real step forward this upcoming season.
Chuck Garfien is joined by White Sox field reporter Connor McKnight to break down one of the biggest moves of the offseason, Luis Robert Jr. being dealt to the New York Mets and what it means for the organization moving forward.
The duo also digs into Chris Getz’s role in reshaping the roster and the return headlined by Luisangel Acuña. From there, the conversation turns to the ripple effects of the trade, expectations for Robert in 2026, how the White Sox might deploy their new financial flexibility, and where the front office could look to invest as the next phase of the rebuild takes shape.
Chuck Garfien welcomes MLB Network host and play-by-play announcer Matt Vasgersian to the show. The two dive into sports broadcasting, with Vasgersian opening up about his long-standing affinity for the legendary Ken "The Hawk" Harrelson.
The conversation also explores Vasgersian’s connection to the White Sox, tracing it back to his Athletics fandom and highlighting some of his favorite players to ever wear the uniform. Along the way, he pays tribute to the late Wilbur Wood, reflects on baseball figures he wishes he could have interviewed, and shares his perspective on the direction of the White Sox as an organization.
White Sox fans take the mic as Chuck Garfien is joined by Sox reporter Brooke Fletcher to break down the boldest, wildest hot takes heading into the 2026 season. From extreme optimism to full-on doom scenarios, the duo reacts to fan predictions ranging from AL MVP chatter to postseason aspirations—and everything in between.
The conversation also touches on belief in bounce-back and breakthrough storylines, including whether Luis Robert Jr. can rediscover his All-Star form and reestablish himself as a franchise centerpiece. Plus, fans weigh in on the idea that a new wave of Sox rookies could debut in 2026 and make an immediate impact, and much more.
Chuck Garfien is joined by former #1 pick and current White Sox Special Assistant of Player Development Phil Nevin for a wide-ranging conversation on his baseball career and his role with the White Sox. Nevin looks back on his playing days, reflects on what it was like sharing a clubhouse with Tony Gwynn, and offers his perspective on Shohei Ohtani. He also discusses being in the mix for the White Sox managerial job before the team hired Will Venable and explains his current focus on player development within the organization.
The conversation then turns to the White Sox pipeline and the people shaping it. Nevin shares his thoughts on top prospect Roch Cholowsky and his relationship with UCLA head coach John Savage, along with the type of people the White Sox are prioritizing as they build the organization. Plus, he breaks down what Sam Antonacci brings to the system, how close Braden Montgomery is to the big leagues, and his take on Chad Pinder joining the organization in 2025.
On this week’s episode, Chuck Garfien sits down with Yuri Karasawa of World Baseball Network and Yakyu Cosmopolitan for an in-depth conversation about Japanese superstar Munetaka Murakami and what he brings to the White Sox. Karasawa provides context on baseball in Japan and the NPB landscape, while breaking down Murakami’s fame, reputation, and historic 2022 season that cemented him as one of the game’s most feared sluggers.
The discussion dives into why Murakami chose the White Sox, whether his signing came as a surprise, and what expectations should look like as he transitions from NPB to MLB pitching. Chuck and Yuri also examine Murakami’s plate discipline, defensive versatility at first and third base, and his jaw-dropping power — including the moon shots that made him a household name in Japan. Plus, they look back at Murakami’s injury-riddled 2025 season, his personality and desire to connect with fans by learning English, and how his skill set is expected to translate at the major league level.
On this week’s episode, Chuck Garfien sits down with David Keller who runs international scouting for the White Sox to go behind the scenes of the signing of Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami. Keller breaks down what went into landing Murakami and why his special power made him a must-have target.
The conversation also dives into who Murakami is as a player and beyond the box score — the type of person and teammate he’s expected to be in the clubhouse — and how his skill set translates to the major leagues. Plus, Keller shares how the White Sox are continuing to strengthen their international scouting footprint.
On a jam-packed episode, Chuck Garfien brings you inside one of the White Sox’s biggest offseason moves. He opens with GM Chris Getz, who takes us behind the scenes of the signing of Murakami, what he brings to the lineup and the fan base, the potential international impact, and why the Sox are confident they can help him adjust to the majors and take his hitting to another level.
Then it’s Murakami himself, explaining why he chose the White Sox, the type of hitter he wants to become in Major League Baseball, and offering his own scouting report on fellow Japanese import Anthony Kay, who also joined the Sox this offseason.
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Sherman Lollar son's reminiscent
joke
Who are these pussies on the show with Chuck?
Any one else find Bill Walton annoying?