The White Sox Podcast w/ Chuck Garfien

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.

Coming to America: Japan reacts to Munetaka Murakami signing with the White Sox

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.

Inside the signing of Munetaka Murakami with David Keller

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.

Munetaka Murakami on His Fit With the Sox and Breaking Down the Signing With Chris Getz

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.

Breaking Down Top Draft Prospect Roch Cholowsky with John Savage

Chuck Garfien is joined by UCLA head baseball coach John Savage for an in-depth conversation about one of the White Sox’ top draft prospects, Roch Cholowsky. Savage explains why Roch chose UCLA, details the impact he had on the Bruins’ turnaround, and projects what kind of major leaguer Roch could become. They also discuss Roch’s mindset as a potential No. 1 overall pick, what Savage would tell White Sox scouts evaluating him, and share a memorable Roch story from his time at UCLA. Plus, Chuck and Savage react to Roch’s viral moment consoling the bat boy after UCLA’s College World Series elimination and reveal which big-league pitcher Roch is most eager to face when he reaches the majors.

Day 3 of the Winter Meetings: Chris Getz, Jonathan Mayo, Sean McAdam & Scott Boras

On the final day of the Winter Meetings, Chuck Garfien closes things out with a loaded lineup of conversations. He starts with White Sox GM Chris Getz, diving into the outfielder market and how the Sox are approaching it. Chuck then chats with MLB.com draft expert Jonathan Mayo for an early read on the 2026 draft class. MassLive.com’s Sean McAdam stops by to give the latest on the Red Sox’s interest in White Sox catcher Kyle Teel. And wrapping things up, Chuck checks in with agent Scott Boras to get his perspective on Luis Robert Jr.’s 2026 outlook.

Day 2 of the Winter Meetings: Chris Getz, Mike Shirley & Harold Baines

The White Sox win the Draft Lottery! Chuck Garfien reacts to the White Sox landing the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft. He speaks with GM Chris Getz about how securing the top selection reshapes the organization’s long-term plans. Chuck then catches up with White Sox scouting director Mike Shirley, who breaks down what this opportunity means for their draft strategy and the type of player the Sox could target. Finally, Chuck sits down with Hall of Famer and former No. 1 overall pick Harold Baines, the White Sox’s draft lottery representative, who shares his own draft experience. 

Day 1 of the Winter Meetings: Chris Getz, Will Venable & A.J. Pierzynski

Chuck Garfien checks in from the MLB Winter Meetings in Orlando, where he’s on site all week getting the inside scoop on the White Sox. He asks GM Chris Getz for the latest on Luis Robert Jr. Chuck then catches up with manager Will Venable, who shares what the young and confident Sox are telling him about their expectations for next season and how he’s looking to grow following his first year at the helm. Finally, Chuck chats with ’05 World Series champion and “Foul Territory” co-host A.J. Pierzynski, who gives his thoughts on why the White Sox should pursue slugger Kyle Schwarber.

10 Burning Questions with Scott Merkin

Chuck Garfien is joined by MLB.com’s White Sox beat writer Scott Merkin for a deep dive into the biggest storylines of the Sox offseason. Chuck puts Scott on the spot with 10 Burning Questions—from what the White Sox might do at the Winter Meetings to who will be playing first base, third base, and right field on Opening Day 2026. They discuss potential additions to the rotation, whether the Sox will pursue a closer, which players could be on the trade block, and if Luis Robert Jr. is on the move, who would take his spot in center field. Chuck and Scott also look at how the new pitching and hitting coaches could shape the team’s future and evaluate the chances the Sox can push toward a .500 season in 2026.