Sox Machine Podcast (Subscriber Version)

As Major League Baseball shifts into offseason mode, Sox Machine's Josh Nelson and Jim Margalus look at 5 potential free-agent targets to help the Chicago White Sox improve their rotation.

Lots to catch up on as the Milwaukee Brewers won the 2026 World Series in five games.

The Chicago White Sox hired Matt Roffe to lead MLB Draft efforts.

The White Sox parted ways with John Schriffen, opening the TV play-by-play announcer role to an interesting list of candidates.

The Chicago Sun-Times put a Chicago Bears stadium rendering in Bridgeport on its cover, but hours later Crain's Chicago reported a deal is almost done for the Bears in Arlington Heights. Why do we keep hearing about the Bears having a new stadium in Bridgeport?

In Josh Nelson's upcoming Offseason Plan Project on Sox Machine, he technically shares seven players who are not returning, but four are grouped into two boats: backup catchers and inefficient (hurt) relievers.

From this exercise, Josh and Jim Margalus agree that left field needs further discussion about how it plays out in 2027. Also, what to do about Andrew Benintendi? If he doesn't hit well early in the season, is he at risk of being waived?

With the World Series beginning, it's time to launch Sox Machine's Offseason Plan Project (OPP). If you're new to the OPP, step into the role of Chicago White Sox GM. With a $130 million payroll budget, how would you build a 26-man roster to improve on the 84-78 record?

This episode will guide you through the decisions you'll need to make before wheeling and dealing in free agency and trade markets.

It's the annual quiz to name every player who appeared in a Chicago White Sox game in 2026. The total list includes 59 players who played at least one game. Link to play the quiz: https://soxmachine.com/2026/10/sporcle-saturday-your-2026-chicago-white-sox

Plus, a World Series preview, and Josh Barfield is rumored to be running for the Houston Astros GM opening.

New podcast discussing in depth the Chicago White Sox three offseason dilemmas:

• What to do with Colson Montgomery?
• Should Sox sign a contract extension with Munetaka Murakami? What role does Luis Castillo have with the team in 2027?

Plus, discussion about the ALCS, Cleveland's weird home vs. away splits, and how much World Series tickets are going for in Milwaukee.

Future Chicago White Sox owner/steward Justin Ishbia spoke publicly for the first time since The Railyards renderings were released. Sox Machine's Josh Nelson attended and shared additional insight into Ishbia's comments and which South Loop properties he's purchasing.

Also:

• Latest Amtrak updates, as there's a big question about Lot G at Rate Field
• According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the White Sox and John Schriffen might be breaking up. Who could be replacement in the TV booth?

Summary: Chicago White Sox general manager Chris Getz hosts his end-of-season press conference. He outlines his thoughts on the 2026 season, how the team will approach the offseason, why pitching and outfield are top free-agent targets, and the progress of Munetaka Murakami.

Chase Meidroth is a Gold Glove finalist at second base. MLB Trade Rumors: arbitration projections and White Sox free agents to help prepare for the Sox Machine Offseason Plan Project.

Now that the 2026 season is over, the Sox Machine crew recaps how the postseason ended. What lessons can we learn from this season? Favorite moments of 2026 and White Sox postseason awards.

There will be a Game 5 as the Chicago White Sox pitching staff collapses in the 6th inning as they lose 9-5 to the Guardians.