CHICAGO (AP) — White Sox general manager Chris Getz mentioned the talent in the pipeline and insisted better days are coming. He just has one message for Chicago's frustrated fans: Be patient.

Venable and White Sox General Manager Chris Getz held a pre-Sox Fest pow-wow Thursday afternoon, before the festivities officially kick off on Friday.

Colson Montgomery might be the most closely watched player for the Chicago White Sox when the team begins spring training in Arizona next month.

Ahead of SoxFest Live, which begins Friday, general manager Chris Getz provided a look-ahead to the 2025 season throughout the organization.

There were panels, pop-a-shot and a round of drinks via Mark Buehrle over the weekend during SoxFest Live at Ramova Theatre. Fans lined up for photos and autographs with Chicago White Sox players. They also asked front-office personnel about the direction of the organization in the aftermath of a modern-day major-league record 121 losses in 2024 during a lively “State of the Sox” segment

It's now being called "SoxFest Live" due to its new live format, which is meant to reimagine the traditional fan convention as an immersive fan experience.

Miguel Vargas delivered the first “best shape of my life” declaration at SoxFest Live, less than three weeks before spring training even began.

As it stands, Brooks Baldwin is projected to serve as Chicago's Opening Day shortstop. The 24-year-old made his big league debut in 2024 – just two years after he went in the 12th round of the 2022 MLB Draft – and he wound up batting .211 with a .566 OPS and 0.0 WAR in 33 games.

The Chicago White Sox invited 24 nonroster players to major-league camp, including top pitching prospects Noah Schultz and Hagen Smith.

The White Sox have a goal to win games, just like Major League Baseball’s other 29 teams. Coming off a 121-loss season, though, their success in 2025 ultimately might not be measured in finishing .500 or even winning 70-to-75 times.

The Chicago White Sox opened SoxFest with a press conference with general manager Chris Getz and first-year manager Will Venable. The two answered questions on Thursday afternoon.

The Chicago White Sox will welcome fans to SoxFest Live starting today. They changed the game plan, holding it in an historic place.