The White Sox Podcast w/ Chuck Garfien

Can Munetaka Murakami be the next Kyle Schwarber with MLB Network’s Dan Plesac

Chuck Garfien is joined by MLB Network and CHSN White Sox analyst Dan Plesac for a conversation on the early stages of the 2026 season. They open with Munetaka Murakami’s power surge and why Plesac sees shades of Kyle Schwarber in his game. Plesac also shares his thoughts on Davis Martin’s impressive form and the early impact of rookie lefty Noah Schultz.
Later, the conversation dives into the White Sox rotation’s standout numbers and what it will take for Shane Smith to work his way back to the big leagues. Plesac offers his perspective on modern pitching strategies like using an opener and what steps the Sox need to take to climb back to .500. He also reflects on his passion for covering the team as a lifelong South Side fan and shares why the return of the Southside rally polo has him fired up for the season ahead.

This is the BEST VERSION of Davis Martin

Chuck Garfien sits down with Davis Martin to discuss his unique perspective as the longest-tenured player on a young White Sox roster. Martin shares his view on his leadership role, what he’s seeing from the team’s clubhouse chemistry and breaks down a gritty, hard-fought series in Kansas City.
Martin also dives into his performance on the mound, addressing early-season results, the state of his stuff, and how he handles outside criticism of the starting rotation. Plus, he discusses the debut of top prospect Noah Schultz, touches on Shane Smith’s time in Charlotte as he works his way back to the majors, and reflects on whether this version of himself is the best he’s brought to the big leagues so far.

Charlotte Knights Manager Chad Pinder on Noah Schultz and Sam Antonacci

Chuck Garfien sits down with White Sox Triple-A manager Chad Pinder to break down one of the organization’s biggest storylines: the rise of Noah Schultz who is about to make his MLB debut. Pinder shares his first impressions of Schultz, whether he was surprised by how quickly the left-hander reached the big leagues or if any key adjustments helped spark his early-season jump. He also takes us inside the moment Schultz got the call to the majors and the reaction from teammates.
The conversation also dives into the hot start of Sam Antonacci, highlighting his baseball IQ, defensive transition to the outfield, and areas still needing development—while Pinder reflects on making a similar jump himself with the Oakland Athletics. Plus, updates on top arms Hagen Smith and Tanner McDougal; insight on managing Shane Smith after his return to Triple-A; and a look back at Pinder’s own major league debut...that included a pair of coincidences.

Mike Vasil: This is the beginning of Dark Knight Rises

Chuck Garfien sits down with White Sox pitcher Mike Vasil for an honest and lighthearted conversation as he navigates the early stages of recovering from Tommy John surgery. Vasil shares his initial reaction to the diagnosis, how he’s processing the setback mentally, and why it meant so much to hear his teammates want him around the team all season. He also gives a behind-the-scenes look at what his role will look like on game days, from hanging in the dugout to helping out in the bullpen (and even keeping the bullpen stocked with snacks).
Vasil breaks down what Tommy John surgery actually entails, including some of the more eye-opening and hard-to-unsee details, while also reflecting on the growing trend of younger players undergoing the procedure. He discusses whether he is allowing himself to think ahead to his comeback and creatively compares his journey to a pivotal chapter in The Dark Knight Rises. Plus, Vasil talks about exploring new hobbies during recovery, including the possibility of stepping into the podcasting world himself and even joining “Dr. Chuck” once a month on the White Sox podcast.

Tristan Peters on his JOURNEY from the Savannah Bananas to the White Sox

Tristan Peters joins Chuck Garfien on the show to share the winding path that’s defined his baseball journey, from growing up in Canada to grinding his way through the minors and finally reaching the big leagues. He opens up about how he landed at SIU, his time with the Savannah Bananas, and the unique experiences that shaped him both on and off the field—including the unexpected story of how line dancing led him to meet his wife. Peters also reflects on navigating multiple trades; building relationships in the clubhouse, like with Tanner Murray, and what he learned during his 2025 season in Triple-A.
Later, Peters breaks down his game, highlighting his defensive mindset and ability to impact games in different ways, including bunting. He shares what it was like being traded for cash considerations and delivering a walk-off hit against the Blue Jays in his first MLB home game. 
Plus, the episode closes with a special moment from the home opener, as the White Sox announce they will retire Ozzie Guillen’s No. 13, with Scott Podsednik surprising him in front of the home crowd.

Ozzie Guillen talks keys to early-season turnaround and Opening Day memories

Chuck Garfien is joined by World Series champion manager and longtime TV partner Ozzie Guillen for a wide-ranging conversation on the White Sox’s early-season struggles and what it will take to turn things around. Ozzie shares why patience may be key with a roster full of new faces still learning to mesh, while also weighing in on Lenyn Sosa’s playing time and what he needs to do to earn a bigger role—even if it means getting creative defensively.
The conversation goes beyond the field, with stories from Ozzie’s playing and managing days, including the scrutiny he faced taking over as manager and how he handled being a clubhouse leader while hitting ninth. Chuck and Ozzie also reflect on memorable Opening Day moments, Roger Bossard’s remarkable 60-year run as the “Sodfather,” and even a few unexpected topics—like Pope Leo XIV and Ozzie’s childhood adventures as an altar boy.

Pat Murphy: White Sox will be something to be RECKONED with

Chuck Garfien is joined by MLB writer and Emmy-nominated MLB Network contributor Anthony Castrovince to break down the White Sox’s start to their 2026 campaign and why it’s far too early to hit the panic button. They dive into the opening series against the Milwaukee Brewers, including a tough Game 3 loss, and what it reveals about where the Sox stand early in the season. Plus, reactions to Pat Murphy calling the Sox a future force in the AL Central and why that praise might carry more weight than it seems.
The conversation also turns to breakout potential, with buzz building around Munetaka Murakami and Castrovince calling his power “the real deal” and possibly the steal of the offseason. They debate whether Luis Robert Jr. belongs in the early MVP conversation, look at early surprises like the Miami Marlins, and get into an interesting discussion on ABS. Plus why Castrovince wouldn’t mind seeing a World Series decided by it.

Will Venable is hoping for a significant leap in 2026

Chuck Garfien’s Spring Training Podcast-pa-looza wraps up with a conversation with White Sox manager Will Venable. He reflects on the team's hustle in the final game of the 2025 season, shares what he’s learned a year into his managerial career, and opens up about key early interactions—from his conversation with Jared Kelenic to the moment he told Shane Smith he’d be the Opening Day starter. Venable also lays out the tone he wants to establish and how he plans to be more hands-on as the team takes shape.
Venable dives into the bigger picture for 2026, discussing whether this group has truly learned how to win and what kind of leap the White Sox can make this season. He touches on Miguel Vargas’ presence in the clubhouse, the mindset he wants his players to carry into the year, and how he plans to guide a young roster forward. It’s a candid, tone-setting conversation that puts a bow on Podcast-pa-looza and sets the stage for what’s ahead on the South Side in 2026.

2026 Season Predictions Show

The White Sox Podcast's Spring Training Podcast-pa-looza rolls on as White Sox Reporters Connor McKnight and Brooke Fletcher join Chuck Garfien for their annual Season Predictions Show. The crew dives into big-picture projections, including how Munetaka Murakami’s power could translate, what to expect from Colson Montgomery’s production, and where the offense might stack up across the league.
They also analyze key trends like the team’s performance in one-run games, debate who could lead the club in OBP, and highlight the most impactful offseason addition and a potential breakout sleeper. To wrap things up, each guest delivers a bold prediction for the season, setting the stage for what could be a fascinating year on the South Side.

Breaking down Mike Vasil's SEASON-ENDING injury

The Podcast-pa-looza rolls on as Brooke Fletcher joins the show to break down the tough news surrounding Mike Vasil, who is set to undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery. Vasil also shares his own perspective on the injury and the road ahead, offering insight into how he’s handling this major setback.
Later, the duo dive into the Chicago White Sox naming their starting rotation, highlighting arms like Shane Smith, Erick Fedde, and Davis Martin, before shifting to the future. They close by previewing the Spring Breakout Game, where several White Sox prospects will get a chance to showcase their talent on a bigger stage.