On this episode of Road to the Rate, Connor McKnight is joined by White Sox Director of Player Development Paul Janish to break down the organization's latest player development milestones. They discuss top prospects Noah Schultz and Braden Montgomery earning spots in the Futures Game, the rise of Grant Taylor in the major league bullpen, and what it takes to develop hitters who can handle elite velocity. Paul also provides insight on Hagen Smith’s reset and return, the developmental strategy around pitch usage, and how the Sox are identifying talent ahead of the MLB Draft.

Two of the hottest players in the White Sox minor league system join Road to the Rate. Connor McKnight sits down with lefty starter Grant Umberger to break down his rise in Kannapolis—going from undrafted free agent to rotation standout with a 1.80 ERA. Then, top prospect George Wolkow joins the show to talk plate discipline, timely hitting, and how his shift to center field is helping shape his future.

Welcome to Road to the Rate, hosted by Connor McKnight. This debut episode lays the foundation for a new White Sox-focused podcast that tracks the organization’s rising minor league talent and the player development philosophies shaping them. Connor is joined by White Sox Director of Player Development Paul Janish for a wide-ranging conversation on how the organization is building the next wave of South Siders. From development routines and analytics to rising prospects like George Wolkow, Braden Montgomery, and Kyle Teel, it’s a behind-the-scenes look at how the Sox are cultivating future stars.