CHICAGO – The White Sox are playing the long game, aiming for sustained success rather than just a fleeting moment in the spotlight. Friday’s 12-8 loss to the Mariners at Rate Field might sting, but it doesn’t derail the bigger picture for this team in the early stages of the 2026 season.
General manager Chris Getz is committed to nurturing young talent at both the Major and Minor League levels, with strategic spending when the timing is right. A prime example is the addition of Munetaka Murakami, whose first-inning homer tied him with Aaron Judge for the Major League lead at 15. His two-year, $34 million contract is already proving to be a savvy move.
Despite the promising start, Getz remains steadfast in his approach. As of May 8, the White Sox sit at 17-21, just three games behind the Guardians in a competitive yet not overly intimidating American League Central.
“It really doesn’t,” Getz commented before Friday’s matchup against the Mariners. “We are not losing sight of what we are building toward here.
Guys are continuing to progress and develop. They have taken advantage of these opportunities.
We just want to continue to play quality baseball, compete.”
Getz emphasizes a day-by-day approach, believing in their chances to win each game. The lineup and rotation have both deepened, and the bullpen is equipped with the tools to close out games. The defense has also seen marked improvement.
Even in Friday’s defeat, there were bright spots. Sean Burke extended his scoreless-innings streak to 16 before the Mariners broke through in the second. A third-inning grand slam by Luke Raley, who homered twice and drove in seven runs, proved costly.
The White Sox, known for their high-energy play, never seem out of a game. Colson Montgomery, who has been on base for 20 consecutive games, capped a four-run rally in the third with a bases-clearing double, bringing his RBI total to 17 in that span.
Progress is evident day by day, catching the eye of observers across the league.
“We’ll see where things go,” Getz said. “Really happy with how some of our Minor League players are playing right now.
You look at their development and the first pick in this upcoming Draft has gotten a lot of attention. To have an opportunity to add that level of talent into what we are doing adds to the optimism and excitement.”
Getz stresses the importance of smart decision-making and player development as keys to achieving their goals.
“That’s how we are going to separate ourselves. We are going to continue to add talent and find ways to get these guys better,” Getz said.
“We’ve been very intentional on who we are bringing into this clubhouse. We are looking for winning-type players that are focused on what I have to do to help this team win.”
As for contending in the ’26 AL Central, Getz believes the White Sox have what it takes to compete and win series, but there’s no rush to get ahead of themselves.
Manager Will Venable keeps the focus on the present, emphasizing the importance of handling today’s business to build future success.
“For us to get to where we want to be eventually, we have to take care of business today. That’s kind of where my head is at and where we want to keep these guys,” Venable said. “If we focus on today and do whatever we can to win today and do that every single day, there’s not a limit to what the group can do.”
