As the White Sox fell behind the competition in the research and development elements of their operation, general manager Chris Getz looked to close the gap. He had a passion for analytics while working under vice president Ken Williams and general manager Rick Hahn before he became GM during his time as farm director and assistant GM, so Getz didn’t do so begrudgingly.
“We are always learning, that’s the beauty of the game that we’re in,” Getz said at the general managers meetings last week. “And as technology continues to advance, you look at the game in so many different ways that you get a stronger understanding on how to value players and project on players and put together a balanced roster to make your team more competitive.”
Analytics and technology have ushered in the age of early exits for starting pitchers, bullpen games, launch angles, spin rates and much more. The game still most often comes down to executing pitches, plate discipline and avoiding fielding lapses, but smart guys gain an edge and often win.
“To say that I’ve got it all figured out is not true,” Getz said. “I do have a passion for looking at the game in a lot of different ways, and the R&D lens is certainly an area I’ve always gravitated towards. But with that being said, I still appreciate scouting and the development of players. That remains the core of an organization and you know an R&D department only strengthens all the different buckets, throughout an organization.”
One new bucket in the organization is building an academy in the Dominican Republic, helping modernize international processes and scouting and developing Latin American players.
Getz said hiring pitching coordinator Brian Bannister, a thinker who brought new concepts and ideas throughout the organization, has “really expedited our ability to not only acquire pitchers, but develop them.”
Hiring former Orioles co-hitting Ryan Fuller could be a needed positive step on the organization’s hitting side.
Other organizations still have more manpower working behind the scenes, but the Sox did hire Brian Mahler, a former Harvard lacrosse player and Navy SEAL with a law degree, as their director of leadership, culture and continuing education.
“It’s not about how many people you have, it’s about having the right people focused on the right things,” Getz said. “Whether it be on the R&D front, the scouting front, player development front, coaching staff. We’re trying to find well-rounded quality people . . . to create a culture for everyone to show up every day and be excited to compete.”
NOTES: Yoan Moncada underperformed working under a five-year, $70 million contract, so it came as no surprise that the oft-injured third baseman’s $25 million option for 2025 wasn’t picked up, especially as the Sox cut payroll.
“He was part of two playoff teams [2020, 2021], accomplished a fair amount,” Getz said. “Obviously, there were some injuries along the way and this past season was one of them.”
• Getz on side-arming right-hander Penn Murfee, who missed last season following Tommy John surgery and was claimed off waivers by the Sox Monday.
“Our grades are high, we like the pitch quality, it’s a different look,” Getz said. “He has options, so we’ve got a player that can bring value to the organization.”
• Getz said it was “tough to tell the pace” of trade discussions at the GM meetings, where his connections were stronger than his first time in 2023. Talks were in the preliminary stage.
“These meetings can be productive, laying the groundwork for future offseason moves both with free agents and trades,” Getz said.
• Assuming Garrett Crochet is traded, young starters such as Jonathan Cannon, Davis Martin, Drew Thorpe and Sean Burke figure to carry the 2025 starting rotation. But Getz will be “on the hunt” for veteran free agents to provide protection for younger arms who “need a minute to have an understanding on what It’s like to pitch on a regular basis at the major-league level.”