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White Sox Update: Players meet the media at SoxFest Live

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The post White Sox Update: Players meet the media at SoxFest Live appeared first on Sox On 35th.

The first night of SoxFest Live at the Ramova Theater is in the books, and before festivities got underway, White Sox players spoke with the media. Colson Montgomery, Davis Martin, Shane Smith, and others got in front of the mics to reflect on last year and look ahead to the 2026 season.

Here’s the latest news, notes, and anecdotes out of Bridgeport!

Colson Montgomery on 2025 season

Montgomery made several stops from the media scrum to CHSN, where he assessed the 2025 campaign from a team perspective while also looking at some personal achievements.

The shortstop also spoke with CHGO’s Sean Anderson to discuss the benefit of the team’s Trajekt Machine, which allows hitters to adjust settings in the cage to replicate any pitcher’s arm angle, arsenal, and release point they might face.

Davis Martin on clubhouse, offseason bonding

Martin talked about creating a clubhouse culture and the offseason group outing at his ranch with the rest of the starting five.

Shane Smith on rotation, 2026 outlook

Along similar lines, FutureSox’s Elijah Evans spoke with Smith about staying connected with his rotation mates and the direction of the 2026 team.

Smith also touched on his breakout All-Star campaign, as well as working on his slider entering the new year.

Kyle Teel plays guitar, talks offseason training

What can’t the White Sox catcher do?

Teel stole the show during the night’s opening act, playing along to “End of Beginning” as his teammates watched from the balcony.

When he wasn’t strumming his guitar, Teel made some rounds to talk about his offseason training, participation in the World Baseball Classic, and excitement for 2026.

Grant Taylor on rookie season, offseason pitches

Tanner McDougal on pitch usage, consistency

Chris Getz talks No. 1 draft pick, organization overhaul

Transitioning over to the event, the White Sox GM touched on a few topics as part of a panel with CHSN’s Connor McKnight and manager Will Venable.

On having the first overall pick, Getz spoke about its importance and the excitement within the organization.

“The last White Sox number one pick was Harold Baines and obviously worked out pretty well. To be given the chance to add that level of talent with the current group that we have, I can’t understate how important that can be. What I’ve been told, what I’ve learned, whether it be from our scouting group or the industry itself, this is the draft to have the number one pick.

2026 promotional items released

The White Sox once again used SoxFest Live to promote their 2026 giveaway items.

Included in another loaded year are four bobbleheads featuring five of the young core players. Miguel Vargas, Colson Montgomery, Kyle Teel, and Chase Meidroth were all surprised on stage with the news.

A full look at the upcoming giveaways and theme nights can be viewed here:

White Sox release 2026 promotional schedule

Munetaka Murakami shares video message

The Japanese slugger couldn’t be present for SoxFest Live, but Murakami still shared a video message with fans.

Fans will get their first glimpse of Mune down in Arizona when he reports to camp in the coming weeks.

Munetaka Murakami addresses White Sox fans in video at SoxFest Live

Miscellaneous Media

Our Sox On 35th team will be back at the Ramova Theater for SoxFest Live’s second night, with special podcast tapings scheduled with pitcher Anthony Kay, infield prospect Sam Antonacci, and others! Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to be notified once those drop early next week.

Follow us on social media @SoxOn35th for more from the second night of SoxFest Live!

SoxFest Live 2026: Know Before You Go

The post White Sox Update: Players meet the media at SoxFest Live appeared first on Sox On 35th.