Chris Getz’ prediction wasn’t so bold.
“I do think we’re going to win more games than we did last year,” the White Sox general manager said at Camelback Ranch Tuesday, where spring training begins Wednesday when pitchers and catchers report.
Winning 41 games set the lowest bar imaginable, and the Sox might have to try topping that without their only star player, center fielder Luis Robert, who could be traded before Opening Day if another team offers Getz a worthy package. Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf wouldn’t object to slashing even more salary from a payroll already ranking second lowest in the majors, knowing the Sox won’t draw at the gate and will not be contenders while Getz’ rebuilding plan takes shape under first-year manager Will Venable.
Robert is owed $15 million this season (with $20 million club options for 2026 and ’27), which is why the Reds, one interested party in Robert’s services weeks ago, backed off. The Sox were not interested in offering cash in a Robert trade, and as of now might be better off hoping Robert has a healthy start to the season and performs as he did as an All-Star in 2023, which would spruce up his value to where it was then.
The oft-injured Robert played in 68, 98, 145 and 100 games the last four seasons. He batted .224/.278/.379 with 14 homers and 23 RBI last season.
“The expectation is he’s going to be our Opening Day center fielder,” Getz said. “He’s had a really productive offseason and we have to find ways to keep him on the field. We know what he’s capable of doing when he’s healthy. And we look forward to handling him in a way that he can be on the Opening Day roster and he can be the productive player we’re accustomed to seeing.”
Getz dealt ace right-hander Dylan Cease to the Padres during spring training last year, but Cease’s departure was only a matter of time. The pearl in the four-player return was right-hander Drew Thorpe, who had been traded for Juan Soto and was a Minor League Pitcher of the Year. Thorpe is behind everyone else in camp because of a sore elbow, a reminder of trading’s dicey nature.
The Sox discussed Robert with other clubs in the offseason, including the Giants, who reportedly backed off when asked for slugging first base prospect Bryce Eldridge in return. Getz should aim high, especially with time still on his side. As he said, you never know what trade opportunities could unfold before Opening Day.
“The market kind of takes care of itself,” Getz said. “There are certain needs that pop up for organizations so you have to have your ducks in a row, having conversations throughout spring training and early in the season and until the trade deadline. I can’t say there is a better opportunity than others, because the market dictates itself. With that said, we are focused on the group that we have and getting these guys on the field and in position to have success.”
Which includes keeping Robert healthy and possibly easing his physical demands by spotting him at a corner outfield position or being an occasional designated hitter, a spot that has no obvious favorite right now.
Ticket sales will not be robust after last season’s 41-121 debacle, and after a failed rebuild that left fans less enthusiastic about this one than the last overhaul. Robert is a reason to buy at ticket, but it remains to be seen how long he’ll be a White Sox.
Such is the state of a team boasting a nice group of prospects, a new manager and not much else.
“Unfortunately there are going to be some growing pains along the way that at times will challenge your emotions,” Getz said, “but that’s part of the development of some of these players. But we need to be patient. And it’s hard to do in professional sports because we’ve got so many competitors out there on the field on a daily basis, but I do think there are going to be plenty of exciting stories and a lot of that has to do with the talent that’s working its way to the major leagues this season.”