The White Sox Podcast w/ Chuck Garfien

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.

Why Derek Shomon is bullish on the White Sox bats

Chuck Garfien’s Spring Training Podcast-pa-looza rolls on with new White Sox hitting coach Derek Shomon, who shares his first message to the team and the hunger he’s already seeing from the group in camp. He explains the kind of coach he aims to be while highlighting the collective effort from hitters this spring, including standout skills like William Bergolla Jr.’s ability to bunt and the progress Korey Lee has shown after making offseason adjustments.
Shomon also discusses the development of several key players, including Colson Montgomery as he looks to build off his rookie season, and the early impressions of new slugger Munetaka Murakami, whom he calls "savvy." The conversation also touches on Luisangel Acuña, the strong impression Sam Antonacci has made in camp and on the international stage, and where Jared Kelenic stands as a non-roster invitee this spring.

Braden Montgomery’s BIG dreams for his major league career

Chuck Garfien’s Spring Training Podcast-pa-looza continues with White Sox prospect Braden Montgomery, who dives into the mindset that fuels his game and his passion for hitting. Montgomery discusses the challenge of developing as a switch-hitter, how he processes failure and uses it as motivation, the hype surrounding his rise, and the improvements he’s made as he pushes toward the majors.
He also shares his reaction to taking Shota Imanaga deep, if he's picked any teammates' brains, and the work he’s put in this offseason to get stronger. Plus, Montgomery talks about his big-picture goals, including Hall of Fame aspirations, the type of player he hopes to become, and why he’s excited about the future of the White Sox.

Andrew Benintendi on why the White Sox can make a bigger jump in 2026

Chuck Garfien’s Spring Training Podcast-pa-looza continues with a sit-down featuring White Sox outfielder Andrew Benintendi, who shares what he’s seeing from the 2026 Chicago White Sox and why he believes the club can take a step forward after a strong finish to 2025. Benintendi explains why the word “gritty” best describes the identity this team is trying to build and discusses his role as a veteran presence alongside new additions like Austin Hays and Munetaka Murakami.
Benintendi also opens up about playing through an Achilles injury and the growth he’s seeing in teammates like Opening Day starter Shane Smith. Plus, he talks about his hitting relationship with his dad, his mixed feelings about the Trajekt machine (while giving Chuck some swing advice), his Italian heritage and potential World Baseball Classic future with Italy, and what he hopes fans will say about the 2026 White Sox when the season is over.