The Sox are looking to use their dearth of talent as an advantage for prospects who were squeezed out on other teams.
White Sox fans shouldn’t plan on much outside reinforcement coming in to help next season.
General manager Chris Getz said Wednesday that, “We’re not actively looking to move anyone, but naturally there is some interest in our players.” He then reiterated his stance, which has been the same since the offseason began: if the Sox do make a jump next season, it will likely come from within.
“We like the group that we have currently, in regards to our young players that got to the big leagues last year,” Getz said. “Now, if it makes sense down the road to look into making a move that can help us in other areas, we’ll have those conversations.”
Knowing the organization might be reticent to make moves, it increases the likelihood of players like Tanner McDougal and Duncan Davitt — who were added to the 40-man roster Tuesday — or Everson Pereira or Tanner Murray impacting the 2026 roster.
The Sox have plenty of holes that young players who couldn’t crack the rotation or lineup of other teams can fill for them. Adding a player in Pereira, a former top-100 prospect in the Yankees organization, is a no-brainer given the Sox’ dearth of power in their lineup.
“At his floor, we have a strong defender who can play center field and the wings and has power potential,” Getz said of Pereira. “He has a big engine, he has potential.”
The opportunities the Sox have extend to the rotation, which McDougal has a pathway to filling.
McDougal opened eyes last season after posting a 3.26 ERA across two minor-league levels. It was a strong showing from McDougal in his second season back from Tommy John surgery. Despite his success, he was unsure if he would be added to the 40-man roster as he was only a year removed from posting a 6.04 ERA in 2024.
“My goal was just to get back to throwing strikes and getting outs,” McDougal said. “After the year I had in 2024, I was on the outs with myself because it’s frustrating when you’re not doing what you feel you’re capable of.
“I just came [into 2025] trying to prove to myself that you’re good enough.”
Getz said the organization was impressed with McDougal and that he “put himself on the map as a top arm in the industry on the minor-league side.”
McDougal figures to be in the mix as the Sox solve for innings.
“At this point I’m just trying to do anything I can to help the big-league team out,” McDougal said. “Whether that’s out of the bullpen, whether that’s as a starter. Whatever they need, I’m willing to do.”
