Chris Getz and Will Venable definitely seem to understand that earning fan loyalty is not an easy task. Fresh off one of the strongest offseasons in recent club history and a 19-game improvement from 2024, the White Sox front office must balance providing fans with hope for the future while keeping their focus on the club’s young talent. After the first night of SoxFest 2026, it’s clear that Getz and Venable are committed to doing just that and doing it right.
Throughout a night of vibrant music,
engaging interviews, and player meet-and-greets, the same key messages were reiterated to season ticket holders and press eager to know what this year will bring to Chicago’s rebuild.
Young development above all
Despite the latest addition of veteran outfielder Austin Hayes, development remains the key focus. When asked whether the primary goal this season is player development or playing .500 baseball, Venable emphasized that the two go hand in hand. The skipper told Sox insider and reporter Connor McKnight on stage, “Both. The expectations are growing here … development is not something we do without winning, and that is what we do to get to win. ”
And that’s not just a sugar-coated front office answer to excuse a 100-loss season. It’s evident in SoxFest itself. Anthony Kay was the only featured veteran, with most attention paid towards upcoming sophomores and even soon-to-be Charlotte Knights Tanner McDougal and Sam Antonacci.
Beyond SoxFest, Getz and Venable know that these young players will drive the organization’s success for years to come. Miguel Vargas and Mike Vasil were named the “glue guys” in the clubhouse for their personalities, ability to communicate with everyone, and leadership. The faith and trust placed in these players who haven’t reached their prime show where the Sox are prioritizing their time and money.
Building an organization, not just a team
The Sox know that, with a stringent budget, the best investment for sustainable success lies in the front office. Getz highlighted specifically the expansion and growth of research as a significant improvement this offseason. With labs in Arizona and Chicago, data is becoming the heart of player development. Venable added that emphasis on health, specifically with the medical and nutrition staff, is also a critical component to winning.
In his almost three years of serving as Chicago’s GM, Getz is getting the organization caught up to league standards. Although there’s still plenty 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 carries no risk of injury or sudden decline.
Attitude and ethic matter
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 2020s won’t be tolerated. As seen last year, Venable sets the expectation that attitude, effort, and aggressiveness are expected on the first day of Spring Training. Getz doubled down on the sentiment, calling out that it begins even before guys don a Sox uniform. He recalled the Garrett Crochet trade last offseason and the process of vetting Chase Meidroth, Kyle Teel, Braden Montgomery, and Wikelman Gonzalez before finalizing the trade: “If we’re going to build a foundation, let’s make sure we know what we’re getting.”
That high standard was evident in interviews with players throughout the event. Teel is set to arrive in Glendale nearly a week before pitchers and catchers report, eager to get an early jump. Vargas said he hasn’t stopped training since the season ended, carrying momentum straight into the offseason. Across the board, the message was clear that this group of players isn’t waiting around. They’re ambitious, excited, motivated, and ready to get back on the field.
SoxFest is a chance to show its supporters why they should believe in this franchise. Both fans and the press left on Friday feeling that the organization seems to be headed in the right direction. Be sure to check back for our SoxFest Day 2 coverage right here at South Side Sox!
