Countdown to White Sox Spring Training: Stadium Rumors, Moncada's Determination, Prospects, and More

It appears things are moving in the right direction for a new ballpark at a development site called "The 78." The plot of 62 acres in the South Loop area has languished for parts of three decades due to failed development plans.

While Guaranteed Rate Field is still a serviceable stadium, the White Sox' lease is up at the end of the decade and owner Jerry Reinsdorf is kicking the tires on a new home.

We Play 162 but Prepare for 202

We don't talk enough about Yoan Moncada, but thankfully White Sox beat writers had us covered over the past week. The Sox third baseman shared his thoughts on the upcoming season, stating that he feels healthy after playing in a total of 196 games over the last two seasons.

"The way I'm preparing myself for this coming season is to play 202 games. I want to be healthy. I want to be on the field every day," Moncada said. "I've been working hard to strengthen my abs, back, and my legs to get all that core really strong."

Moncada is entering the final guaranteed year of his contract, another topic he discussed.

"I would love to stay with the White Sox if they want me here. But I don't know," he said. "I'm very thankful for the White Sox for the opportunity they have given me after I was traded from the Red Sox.

"They've been treating me very well. I like the organization. I like the city. I like the fans. I would like to stay here."

The White Sox hold a $25 million team option for the 2025 season with a $5 million buyout.

Prospect Watch

With the White Sox' latest rebuild underway, many fans will look through grainy highlights of minor-league games in the Southern and International leagues. Baseball Prospectus recently released its organizational rankings, and one can probably guess what was said about the White Sox.

Chicago's farm system checked in at No. 25 among MLB clubs due to a lack of depth but still boasts three premium prospects. We've heard the same names for the last year: Colson Montgomery, Bryan Ramos, and Noah Schultz. Montgomery ranks 11th in the publication's top 101, while MLB Pipeline ranks him ninth.

The rankings are accessible after signing up for a free Baseball Prospectus subscription.

In Other News

The White Sox made the John Brebbia signing official last week and designated Romy Gonzalez for assignment to open a roster spot for the veteran reliever. The Boston Red Sox claimed Gonzalez off waivers, leaving Jose Rodriguez, Braden Shewmake, and Lenyn Sosa as the remaining infield depth candidates for an opening-day roster spot.

Former White Sox World Series-winning manager and current pre- and post-game show analyst Ozzie Guillen managed the Los Tiburones de La Guaira to a Winter League championship in the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League. He will now manage the team at the Caribbean Series.

What's On Tap Next?

Hopefully a Dylan Cease trade materializes or the White Sox acquire a ready right fielder. Cease is the subject of trade rumors dating back to the 2023 trade deadline, but Chris Getz's asking price is significant. I'm not holding my breath on a deal coming to fruition.

Nevertheless, we'll hear more about the team's makeup from players, coaches, and Getz in the coming weeks. Sox On Tap will provide you with our takes on the news and moves — or lack thereof.