The post Chris Getz: Master of the Cheap Acquisition appeared first on Sox On 35th.
Well this has been a fun few weeks, hasn’t it, White Sox fans? Previous two contests notwithstanding, the squad and its multitude of young players are firing on all cylinders.
Amidst this wave of positive vibes, it’s time to give the team’s general manager some credit. Chris Getz was, by and large, not embraced by the fanbase upon being promoted in August 2023. People were happy to see Rick Hahn and Kenny Williams gone, but an internal hire at a time of such organizational failure and dysfunction felt short-sighted.
Then last year’s historical debacle happened, and despite an improving farm system, Getz had done little to earn goodwill. Yet here we are approaching two years of tenure, and suddenly his shrewdness is undeniable. How so, you may ask? Simple: Getz has a pattern of hitting big on small investments.
Let’s start with the first notable signing of his tenure, Erick Fedde. The former top prospect had reinvented himself overseas in 2023, winning KBO MVP with sterling numbers. Getz took notice, and inked the righty to a two-year, team-option deal for just $15 million.
Fast forward half of a season, and Fedde headlined the trade that secured talented infielder Miguel Vargas. For what it’s worth, Getz was also able to swap Paul DeJong for a pitching prospect that same trade deadline, a clear win given DeJong’s rough 2023 campaign.
MIGUEL VARGAS MOONSHOT TO BLOW IT OPEN
— Sox On 35th (@SoxOn35th) May 14, 2025
But this past offseason was truly where the South Siders’ general manager got cooking. For under $2 million guaranteed, Getz secured outfielder Mike Tauchman. After two seasons with the Cubs with less than 110 games played, the area native has blossomed in 2025. Now he sports an .834 OPS and 1.4 fWAR in just 58 games and will likely be a key piece for the 2026 White Sox following arbitration.
Then there’s Austin Slater, whom Getz saw platoon bat potential in based off career numbers. Sure enough Slater bashed lefties over the past couple months and netted Chicago a Yankees’ Top 20 prospect in RHP Gage Ziehl. Not a bad return on a $1.75 million contract.
Don’t forget veteran Adrian Houser, who the White Sox acquired after being released by Texas in May. Houser dazzled on the mound for eleven starts before bringing back three prospects from Tampa Bay last week—quite good value there on a $1.375 million lottery ticket. Aaron Civale has been magnificent of late as well, by the way.
Getz has found value in other areas too. Rule 5 acquisition Shane Smith, despite recent struggles, has the looks of a quality middle or back-end starter. Mike Vasil was claimed off waivers in March, and has been a centerpiece of the revamped Chicago bullpen.
Heck, let’s even look at the coaching hires. Ryan Fuller has successfully initiated organizational change after being hired as director of hitting in November. Since then, Sox batters up and down the lineup have improved their numbers by drawing more walks and pulling more fly balls. Brian Bannister, now closing in on his second year as senior pitching advisor, played an instrumental role in Garrett Crochet’s pivotal rebound.
Needless to say, that’s a long list of cheap but impactful investments by Chris Getz. Yes, Rick Hahn was heralded as an elite GM at this stage of his rebuild too, so the jury is still out. But while we wait to see if a true playoff-caliber squad is forming, let’s acknowledge the solid accomplishments of Getz on a paltry budget.
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Featured Image: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
The post Chris Getz: Master of the Cheap Acquisition appeared first on Sox On 35th.