Locked On White Sox - Daily Podcast On The Chicago White Sox

Shane Smith was an All-Star in 2025, but can the Chicago White Sox pitcher make the leap to elite ace status? The gap between dominant stuff and consistent excellence requires three critical improvements. Todd Welter breaks down Smith's path forward, analyzing his stamina concerns after fading in June and July, his underutilized curveball that posted a 48.1% whiff rate, and the advanced metrics wh...

The Athletic's Jim Bowden suggests the White Sox might be a fit for five free agents ranked in his top 50. Two seem to be realistic options. Host Todd Welter discusses how Trent Grisham and Adrian Houser could be realistic signings. He also points out that it does not seem realistic they will make these signings. He explores how KBO standouts Ryan Weiss and Cody Ponce could bolster the pitching st...

The 2005 championship run stunned baseball, but Chicago's South Side team faces an uphill battle for future success. Host Todd Welter dissects the legacy of the White Sox's 2005 triumph, arguing its place among the greatest postseason performances in MLB history. He outlines five crucial factors for another title, including ownership changes and player development. The episode also ranks the '05 s...

Host Todd Welter and guest Hannah Fillipo, from SouthSideSox.com, dissect the impact of a potential salary cap on MLB competitiveness. They explore the White Sox's offseason priorities, targeting right field and first base improvements. The duo analyzes standout performances, including Edgar Quero's consistency and Josh Bell's potential fit. Coaching staff changes, particularly Ethan Katz's depart...

World Series Showdown: Dodgers vs. Blue Jays - Who Will Reign Supreme? The Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays face off in an unexpected World Series matchup. Can the Blue Jays' complete team challenge the Dodgers' powerhouse lineup? Key discussions include team strengths, payroll disparities, and the impact of high-spending franchises on MLB. The hosts analyze starting pitching, bullpen str...

Host Todd Welter analyzes potential short-term options to replace Mike Tauchman, including Austin Hays and Lane Thomas. The White Sox's second base situation gets a deep look, with Chase Meidroth and Lenyn Sosa holding down the fort. Welter breaks down the Toronto Blue Jays' hitting philosophy, exploring how their contact-oriented approach could benefit the South Siders. 0:00 Intro: White Sox righ...

Chicago White Sox face crucial roster decisions. Can bargain bin free agents solve their first base woes? Host Todd Welter analyzes potential upgrades at first base, exploring budget-friendly options like Ryan O'Hearn and Josh Bell. He examines the White Sox's 25-year player history, highlighting the team's struggle to develop and retain top talent. The discussion covers catching depth, with insig...

George Springer could have completed the last White Sox rebuild. Instead, his three-run home run sent the Blue Jays to the World Series. Hopefully, this current rebuild does not miss out on the chance to add elite players like Springer. Host Todd Welter dissects the Chicago White Sox's recent struggles, from questionable roster moves to the impact of Luis Robert Jr.'s $20 million contract. He addr...

Chicago White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf laughed off signing Shohei Ohtani. That attitude costs the team generational talent. Hopefully, when Justin Ishbia assumes control, he will pursue acquiring great players. Host Todd Welter dissects Reinsdorf's approach to free agent signings and explores the potential impact of a future ownership change to Justin Ishbia. Paul Konerko's contract history with...

Host Todd Welter and guest Chris Lanuti of Sox in the Basement reflect on the Andrew Vaughn trade, comparing it to a necessary breakup. They explore the impact on the White Sox's pitching strategy, emphasizing the need for starters to go deeper into games. The duo dissects potential roster moves, including trading Lenyn Sosa and acquiring power hitters for corner positions. Bullpen improvements an...

Chicago White Sox ownership under fire: Is penny-pinching costing them homegrown talent? Todd Welter dissects the team's spending habits, arguing fans should be more concerned about retaining key players than chasing free agents. Welter analyzes the White Sox's defensive woes, exploring potential Gold Glove candidates like Colson Montgomery and Luis Robert Jr. He shares fan poll results on when th...

White Sox Free Agency Frenzy: Murakami, Hitting Coaches, and 2005 ALCS Magic. Is Munetaka Murakami the answer to Chicago's offensive woes? Host Todd Welter breaks down why the Japanese slugger should be the White Sox's top free agent target. The hunt for a new hitting coach heats up with Joel McKeithin, Donnie Ecker, and Matt Borgschulte in the mix. Can they unlock the potential of the South Side...

White Sox roster shakeup: Who's in, who's out, and what's next? Recent moves open doors for potential upgrades and Rule 5 draft strategy. Host Todd Welter analyzes Chicago's off-season game plan, from protecting prospects to targeting free agents like Japanese sensation Munetaka Murakami. The host breaks down bullpen construction for 2026, weighing options for young arms like Grant Taylor and Noah...

White Sox rebuild: No bad contracts, but are they going to spend enough to compete? The Chicago White Sox's financial strategy raises questions about their timeline for AL Central contention. Host Todd Welter analyzes the team's current rebuild, potential moves for division rivals, and White Sox prospects in the Arizona Fall League. He scrutinizes Jerry Reinsdorf's commitment to winning another Wo...

Chicago White Sox fans, brace yourselves for a rollercoaster of emotions as we dissect Andrew Vaughn's surprising success with the Milwaukee Brewers. Is this a case of "the one that got away" or simply a change of scenery? Host Todd Welter breaks down Vaughn's transformation, comparing the White Sox rebuild to other struggling MLB teams. Get ready for heated debates on Jim Bowden's controversial r...

White Sox rookie Edgar Quero was snubbed from Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter's top 50 rookie list. Is his potential being overlooked? Host Todd Welter analyzes Quero's exclusion, breaking down his stats and comparing them to other ranked rookies. The discussion shifts to Mike Tauchman's future with the team, exploring potential non-tender scenarios and budget implications. Welter then takes fans on...

Chicago sports fandom ignites fierce debates. But can a die-hard White Sox fan ever root for the Cubs? Especially when it comes to picking between a Wisconsin sports team or the Cubs. Host Todd Welter and guest Fitz from the Bar Room Network tackle this contentious issue, exploring the complexities of Chicago's baseball rivalry. They dissect the personal nature of fandom, touching on cross-town al...

Andrew Vaughn's clutch homer for the Brewers last night raises questions about the White Sox's trade decision. Did Chicago make a mistake, or is there still a way they can make out not looking so bad? Host Todd Welter also discusses potential pitching coaching candidates and addresses your mailbag questions and comments. 0:00 Intro: Andrew Vaughn's success with Brewers 5:09 Analyzing Vaughn's perf...

The Chicago White Sox should focus on five position groups this season. Then 62 players suited up for the White Sox, host Todd Welter goes over five players who he would love to forget about. Todd also goes over five players who suited up this year that you probably forget about. Finally, Todd discusses the five prospects who made MLB Pipeline's Top 100 prospect list. 0:00 Intro: White Sox offseas...

Shane Smith snubbed? Baseball America's excluded him from their All-Rookie team when he had better numbers than at least one pitcher who got the recognition over him. Host Todd Welter dissects Smith's impressive stats, comparing them to Yankees' Will Warren. The discussion shifts to Colson Montgomery's unconventional inclusion as DH. He also discusses how the Chicago's South Side team can replicat...

The Locked on MLB Squad dissects the thrilling Wild Card round, spotlighting Cam Schlittler's dominant performance and the New York Yankees' unexpected success. They analyze crucial pitching decisions, debating the merits of modern bullpen management versus traditional strategies. They offer predictions for the Divisional Series, focusing on the Philadelphia Phillies-Los Angeles Dodgers and Yankee...

Former White Sox stars shine in playoffs. What could have been for Chicago's South Side squad? Host Todd Welter analyzes ex-White Sox players Garrett Crochet, Dylan Cease, and Carlos Rodon making waves in October. He explores why the Chicago White Sox struggled to retain top talent, dissecting issues in drafting, player development, and contract negotiations. Welter tackles listener questions on L...

Chicago White Sox fans, the debate is on! Who's the team's best hitter this season? Host Todd Welter breaks down the top contenders, including Colson Montgomery's power surge and Kyle Teel's impressive stats. Recent coaching staff changes take center stage as Welter analyzes the dismissals of pitching coach Ethan Katz and hitting coach Marcus Thames. He explores the impact on young talent and the...

Host Todd Welter and Chicago Sun-Times beat reporter Kyle Williams break down the surprising dismissals of pitching coach Ethan Katz and hitting coach Marcus Thames. They analyze Will Venable's first year as manager, highlighting his data-driven approach and player relationships. The discussion covers standout performances from Shane Smith and Colson Montgomery, bullpen management challenges, and...

Host Todd Welter breaks down Shane Smith's dominant final start and unexpected rise as the team's best pitcher.  The discussion covers Michael A. Taylor's retirement impact and Will Venable's praise for the veteran's leadership. Key topics include the Birmingham Barons' Southern League championship with standout performances from prospects Tanner McDougal and Hagen Smith 0:00 Shane Smith's dominan...