DALLAS — Trade conversations with fellow general managers were ongoing for White Sox GM Chris Getz at the winter meetings. As of Tuesday evening, there was nothing doing, however.
“There’s some times when you feel like you’re getting somewhere, you feel a level of urgency, and then it kind of calms down,” Getz said as the sun was setting on the Hilton Anatole. “And that’s a major-league free agent or a trade. But that’s just the nature of these types of conversations. We’re staying at it, continuing to see if there’s a match somewhere, and we’ll remain at it, whether something happens here or somewhere else.”
All-Star left-hander Garrett Crochet and 2023 All-Star center fielder Luis Robert are available for the right package of prospects and/or young major-league-ready players.
“There’s different ways to go about it, and you want to make sure the value matches up for both sides,” Getz said.
Getz is open to three-team deals, as well.
“If that’s the best way to acquire the talent for your organization, you do it,” he said. “We’ve had conversations about those types of ideas and concepts, so it’s not out of the realm of possibility for anyone to be part of a three-way trade.”
Tauchman ‘welcome addition’
The addition of left-handed-hitting free-agent outfielder Mike Tauchman, coupled with the signing of Austin Slater, creates a potential platoon in right field that could squeeze Dominic Fletcher out.
“They make a pretty good pair out there,” Getz said.
The possibility of Robert getting traded could open a spot for Fletcher, who was well above average defensively while batting .204 last season.
“Dom was great defensively, but offensively there are areas for growth,” Getz said. “He’s aware of that. He’s aware he has to make a lot of adjustments.”
Tauchman, who had a knack for big moments and was a good clubhouse presence for the Cubs, “puts together a quality at-bat, a guy who historically has gotten on base,” Getz said. “You look at how many pitches he averages per plate appearance, it’s something that will be a welcome addition to our lineup.”
Montgomery Opening Day SS?
Getz said “it’s not a stretch” to envision Colson Montgomery making his major-league debut at shortstop on Opening Day.
The Sox’ No. 2 prospect behind left-hander Noah Schultz, Montgomery struggled at Triple-A Charlotte this season but finished well and excelled in the Arizona Fall League.
“He made adjustments at the end, and physically he’s in a really good spot, he’s got more looseness in that swing and it showed up,” Getz said. “He stays at it this offseason — which I know he’s working hard in Nashville. He’ll be in Arizona some point this offseason, and we’ll see what it looks like at spring training.”
Montgomery plans on being in the lineup March 27 when the Sox host the Angels.
“I love [his confidence], I really do,” Getz said. “Colson has always been someone who is not necessarily outspoken, but he’s driven. He has internal confidence that’s real.”
Sox to pick 10th in draft
Despite losing a record 121 games, the Sox couldn’t have earned the first pick in the 2025 MLB Draft lottery because of rules to discourage tanking. The 10th pick they were awarded was the highest possible.
The Nationals won the first pick.
The Sox get the first pick in Rule 5 draft Wednesday.
Good Will hunting
Getz believes he hit a home run in hiring Will Venable to his first managerial job.
“To get someone as talented as Will Venable as our manager, we feel very fortunate,” Getz said. “I feel like he’s a teammate of mine. We’re in this together, and I’m going to support him the best that I can. He has a very bright future as a major-league manager, and he’s going to get the best out of a lot of our players.”