White Sox’s DJ Gladney Moves On: A Sign of Chris Getz’s Changing of the Guard

Chris Getz and the Changing of the Guard in Chicago’s Front Office

Since Chris Getz took over as General Manager of the Chicago White Sox, his leadership has marked a shift in the team’s approach. Unlike his predecessor, Rick Hahn, Getz has placed a strong emphasis on analytics and player development, reshaping how the organization operates from the top down. One of Getz’s key focuses has been overhauling the player development system, which includes adding new roles and departments designed to enhance scouting and talent development—a stark contrast to Hahn’s more traditional approach.

Getz has also made it clear that he is looking to leave his mark on the White Sox, especially in terms of player personnel. Under Hahn, the team made several high-profile moves and brought in notable prospects, but Getz has been proactive in moving away from some of those acquisitions. In fact, every player from the 2021 AL Central-winning team has now been moved or let go, signaling a fresh start and a shift in direction.

While it’s impossible to completely overhaul an entire organization, Getz has been methodical in ensuring that his vision shapes the current and future roster. This transformation has extended to the minor leagues, where the White Sox’s farm system has undergone changes as well. One of the latest developments in this transition is the departure of former top-30 prospect DJ Gladney, who was recently signed to a minor league deal by the New York Yankees.

DJ Gladney’s Journey with the White Sox: A Prospect Who Never Quite Panned Out

DJ Gladney, an outfielder from Illinois, was originally drafted by Rick Hahn’s White Sox in the 19th round of the 2019 MLB Draft. The 6-foot-2 Gladney entered the system with high hopes, and by 2021, he had cracked the White Sox’s top-30 prospects list, peaking at No. 24. However, his time with the organization was marked by ups and downs, as he struggled to break through to the major leagues.

Gladney’s minor league career included stints with several White Sox affiliates, including the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers, Winston-Salem Dash, and Birmingham Barons. Over six seasons in the White Sox system, he posted a career .236/.300/.414 slash line, with 54 home runs and 196 RBIs in 515 games. While his power potential was evident, Gladney’s inability to maintain consistent offensive production held him back from making a significant impact at the higher levels.

In 2024, Gladney enjoyed a brief but noteworthy moment of success. He delivered a walk-off hit that secured the Southern League Championship for the Birmingham Barons, a memorable moment that underscored his potential in clutch situations. During that postseason stretch, Gladney was playing some of his best baseball, slashing .278 with 6 home runs and 18 RBIs in 24 games after his promotion to Birmingham.

Despite the success of 2024, Gladney’s 2025 season with the Barons was underwhelming. He slashed .235/.277/.368, adding 10 home runs and 45 RBIs, but failed to show the consistency that would warrant a call-up to the major leagues. The lack of sustained offensive improvement, combined with his status as a draft pick from the previous regime, likely contributed to Getz’s decision to part ways with Gladney.

Gladney’s Departure: A Symbol of Getz’s New Direction

The signing of Gladney by the Yankees is a clear indication that Chris Getz is continuing to make his mark on the White Sox organization. Getz has made it clear that he is not bound by the past decisions made under Rick Hahn’s leadership. As part of his broader efforts to reshape the White Sox roster and farm system, Getz has moved on from several of Hahn’s acquisitions, and Gladney’s departure is a natural continuation of that trend.

For Gladney, this move represents a fresh start. After six years in the White Sox system, he now has the opportunity to prove himself within the Yankees’ organization. The Yankees, known for their depth and player development system, will give Gladney a chance to continue his development and potentially make a push for the big leagues. Whether he eventually makes it to the major leagues or not, Gladney’s journey will be one to watch as he attempts to revive his career with a new team.

Looking Ahead: The White Sox’s Future Under Getz

For the White Sox, moving away from players like Gladney is a necessary step in Chris Getz’s rebuilding efforts. While it’s always tough to let go of a prospect with potential, Getz is focused on building a team that can contend not just in the short term, but over the long haul. The addition of analytical resources and a revamped player development system will help ensure that future draft picks and acquisitions have the tools they need to succeed.

The shift in direction has already been evident with Getz’s aggressive moves in free agency, including the addition of Robert Suarez, Mike Yastremski, and Mauricio Dubon. The White Sox have made notable improvements to their pitching staff and positional depth, but there’s still work to be done in terms of building a championship-caliber roster. With players like Sale, Strider, and Schwellenbach leading the rotation, and the emergence of young talent in the system, the White Sox’s future is brighter than it has been in years.

As for Gladney, his time with the White Sox is now part of the organization’s past. While he may not have reached the heights many expected, his departure marks another step in the transformation of the team. It’s a reminder that in the world of professional sports, organizations must continuously evolve and make decisions based on long-term vision, even if that means parting ways with familiar faces.

Final Thoughts: A New Chapter for Gladney and the White Sox

DJ Gladney’s departure from the White Sox signals the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for both the player and the organization. For the White Sox, Getz’s continued efforts to reshape the roster and player development system will be the key to future success. As for Gladney, the move to the Yankees offers him an opportunity to reinvent himself and potentially make an impact in the big leagues.

The White Sox’s future is still unfolding under Getz’s leadership, and while it’s clear the team is undergoing significant change, the ultimate goal remains the same: building a team capable of winning championships. The decisions made now—whether it’s parting ways with prospects like Gladney or making key acquisitions—will lay the foundation for what the White Sox hope will be a bright and successful future.