SAN ANTONIO – You run the team that was the worst in the history of the game, as White Sox general manager Chris Getz did this season and sure, you’re going to be inclined to making changes.
Getz has had his eye on changing up the way the Sox operate since he was hired 15 months ago, and since then he has named from outside the organization a new manager, two assistant general managers, an international scouting director and directors of pitching and hitting. The latter he announced Tuesday at the general managers meetings, former Orioles hitting coach Ryan Fuller who comes well regarded in baseball circles.
Getz has also restructured the research and development department, which uses data analysis and research to improve baseball operations and performance.
“We’ve tasked our analysts to be more specialized and we’re beginning to build some really cool stuff that’s going to help create competitive advantages in a lot of areas,” he said. “It’s a big piece of how we conduct our business.”
Whether it results in improvement on the field, only time will tell. Acquiring talent is king when it comes to that, and in the name of rebuilding without quick fixes, that is why the subject of trading All-Star left-hander Garrett Crochet was the first topic broached when Getz faced reporters after meetings with other GMs.
“With a pitcher like Garrett you have an opportunity to get both high impact upper level talent,” Getz said. “Now you don’t want to pigeon hole yourself, you want to focus on getting the best return that you can for your club. Some organizations, their prospects are at the top of the minor leagues and others are further away, that’s part of the assessment process.”
Crochet was on the block at the trade deadline this summer but his agency’s declaration that he’d want a contract extension if dealt “shocked” Getz and threw a monkey wrench into trade talks. Getz says he remains on very good terms with Crochet and his agent, and while he’ll listen to offers, maintained his trading posture by saying he’s not under the gun to make a deal. Crochet has two seasons of contract control remaining.
“Garrett had an outstanding year and he’s wearing a White Sox uniform and I could very easily see him making an Opening Day start for us as well,” Getz said.
Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf is cutting payroll, so an extension isn’t in the cards, even though Crochet would be a gleaming centerpiece in a young Sox rotation, that, on a lacking roster, could be a strength even without him.
“It’s easier said than done, that’s for sure,” Getz said. “We’ve been obviously very excited with what he has become in a White Sox uniform. That said, we’ve got to be very honest with ourselves with where we’re at.”
Which is rock bottom on baseball’s totem pole after a record 121 losses. But that doesn’t mean a trade for 2023 All-Star center fielder Luis Robert is likely. To the contrary.
“We value him,” Getz said. “It’s all about matching up on value. What he’s able to do defensively in center field, his power potential and overall game. Needs to be appropriately valued for us to make sense on a move.”
“It’s a tough player to move based on what he’s capable of doing. We’ll have conversations if a team comes calling. But we’re also pretty happy and comfortable to know that Luis Robert can play center field for us next year.”
Getz was joined by new manager Will Venable, who was getting acquainted with Sox front office personnel and was seen having conversations with staffers from other clubs as he works on finalizing his coaching staff. Coaches from the 2024 staff will return, but Getz wouldn’t say who.
Rangers president of baseball operations Chris Young would say the Sox got a good one in Venable, the Rangers associate manager the last two seasons.
“He’s a really good communicator,” Young said. “Has high standards. Not afraid to hold players accountable but loves players and is a positive guy. Has real competitive spirit. Humble, open-minded. All the qualities you want in a leader.”