Chris Getz and Will Venable definitely seem to understand that earning fan loyalty is no easy task. Fresh off one of the strongest seasons in recent club history and a 19-game improvement from 2024, the White Sox front office must find a balance between offering fans hope for the future while keeping the focus on the club’s young talent. After the first night of SoxFest 2026, it’s clear that Getz and Venable are determined to do just that, and do it well.
Throughout an evening of lively music, engaging interviews and meet-and-greets with players, the same key messages were repeated to season ticket holders and the press eager to see what this year’s rebuilding of Chicago will bring.
Young development especially
Despite the latest addition of veteran outfielder Austin Hays, development remains the main focus. When asked if the primary goal this season is player development or playing .500 baseball, Venable emphasized that the two go hand in hand. The skipper told Connor McKnight on stage: “Both. The expectations are increasing here… development is not something we do without winning, and that’s what we do to win.”
And that’s not just some sugar-coated front office answer to excuse a 100-loss season. It is clearly visible in SoxFest itself. Anthony Kay was the only veteran in the lead role, with most of the attention given to incoming sophomores and even incoming Charlotte Knights Tanner McDougal and Sam Antonacci.
In addition to SoxFest, Getz and Venable know that these young players will determine the success of the organization for years to come. Miguel Vargas and Mike Vasil were called the “glue guys” in the clubhouse because of their personalities, their ability to communicate with everyone and their leadership. The faith and trust placed in these players who have yet to reach their best showing, where the Sox prioritize their time and money.
Building an organization, not just a team
The Sox know that, with a strict budget, the best investment for sustained success lies in the front office. Getz specifically highlighted the expansion and growth of the research as a significant improvement this offseason. With labs in Arizona and Chicago, data becomes the heart of player development. Venable added that an emphasis on health, especially among the medical and nutrition staff, is also a crucial part of winning.
In his nearly three years as Chicago’s general manager, Getz has ensured the organization meets league standards. While there is still a lot of progress to be made, the South Siders are finally taking a page out of the Rays and Guardians playbooks and spending money on something that doesn’t come with the risk of injury or sudden decline.
Attitude and ethics are important
Part of creating a franchise is fostering a clubhouse that holds players accountable. Getz and Venable made it clear that the chaotic clubhouse from the early 1920s will not be tolerated. As seen last year, Venable is setting the expectation that attitude, effort and aggressiveness are expected on the first day of Spring Training. Getz doubled down on the sentiment, shouting that it starts before men put on a Sox uniform. He recalled the Garrett Crochet trade last offseason and the process of vetting Chase Meidroth, Kyle Teel, Braden Montgomery and Wikelman González before the trade was completed: “If we’re going to build a foundation, let’s make sure we know what we’re getting.”
That standard was evident in interviews with players throughout the event. Teel will arrive in Glendale nearly a week before the pitchers and catchers report, eager to get an early jump. Vargas said he hasn’t stopped training since the season ended, carrying momentum right into the offseason. Across the board, the message was clear that this group of players is not waiting. They are ambitious, enthusiastic, motivated and ready to get back on the field.
SoxFest is an opportunity to show White Sox fans why they should believe in this franchise. Everyone left on Friday with the feeling that the organization seems to be heading in the right direction. Be sure to check back for our SoxFest Day 2 coverage here at South Side Sox!
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