The White Sox Podcast w/ Chuck Garfien

Why Tanner McDougal Is One to Watch + Ryan Borucki Knows His White Sox

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.

He’s Batman: Inside the mind of Mike Vasil White Sox Podcast

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.

Anthony Kay Talks Baseball Journey and Munetaka Murakami's Massive Power

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.

10 Burning Questions for Sox Machine’s James Fegan

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.

Best of SoxFest with Getz, Venable, Teel, Vargas and Montgomery

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.

Ozzie Guillen on the Robert Jr. Trade, Luisangel Acuña & the 2026 White Sox

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.

🚨White Sox Trade Luis Robert Jr. to the Mets

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.

Matt Vasgersian Talks Hawk Harrelson and His All-Time Favorite White Sox

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’ Biggest Hot Takes for 2026

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.

Phil Nevin’s Under-the-Radar Effect on the White Sox

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.