Road to The Rate: A Minor League Podcast

In this episode of Road to the Rate, Connor McKnight takes listeners inside the Chicago White Sox player development system with Paul Janish, breaking down how everyday interactions help shape the growth of the organization’s youngest talent. He explores conversations with players like Schultz and Antonacci, along with how the staff supports prospects navigating struggles or adjusting after being sent down to the minors. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at the structure and communication driving development at every level. Connor also dives into several key prospects making noise within the system, including Jacob Gonzalez’s bounce-back, Braden Montgomery’s early-season adjustment followed by a strong surge, and what that could mean for his future. The episode continues with Colby Shelton’s success, how the organization determines defensive positions for prospects, and what Samuel Zavala has shown so far. It wraps with updates on pitching prospects Hagen Smith and Tanner McDougal, offering a full snapshot of the next wave of White Sox talent.

On this episode of Road to the Rate, Connor McKnight is joined by the White Sox top prospects Noah Schultz and Billy Carlson. Schultz dives into the importance of daily catch play, the feedback he actively seeks from teammates, and how he’s refining his arsenal with the cutter and slider. He also discusses building toward pitching deeper into games, the routines helping him get there, and what he took away from last season’s injury setbacks. From evaluating past tape to regaining his velocity, Schultz shares how he’s staying present while being on the cusp of a big league call-up within the organization’s pitching philosophy. Then, shortstop Billy Carlson jumps on to talk about his strong start to the season. He gets into whether this spring training felt different, how swing decision reports are shaping his approach, and the adjustments he’s made at the plate. Carlson also opens up about embracing pressure, the confidence he draws from his defense, and the specific areas he’s focused on as he continues setting goals and building toward 2026.

Road to the Rate returns with an in-depth conversation featuring White Sox No. 10 prospect Kyle Lodise, diving into life both on and off the field. The episode opens with a look at enjoying spring outside of baseball before shifting into his development journey, from high school to college and, ultimately, into pro ball. Lodise reflects on navigating injuries, what he learned from his stint in High-A last season after getting drafted, and how those experiences continue to shape his growth in the White Sox system. The conversation also gets into the details of his game, including his approach to base stealing and the preparation required to play shortstop at a high level. Lodise shares personal stories about his family, including his cousin Alex, who is a top prospect in the Braves' system, and his professional ballerina aunt, while also highlighting the impact of coach Tyler Coolbaugh and the importance of communication and daily routines. He wraps up by discussing his relationship with analytics and how he unwinds away from the game.

Road to the Rate continues as Connor McKnight sits down with White Sox pitching prospect Christian Oppor for an in-depth conversation on his development and approach on the mound. Oppor breaks down his pitching arsenal, touches on his velocity, and opens up about the mental side of the game. He also shares insight on teammates like Tanner McDougal and coaches like Jacob Dorris, offering a glimpse into the camaraderie and competition within the Sox system. Oppor also discusses how he handles rising expectations, his pre-start routine, and the goals he’s set for himself heading into the 2026 season. The conversation wraps with a broader look at the outlook for White Sox pitching and where he sees both himself and the organization trending as the next wave of arms continues to develop.

Road to the Rate returns with Connor McKnight sitting down with White Sox prospect Caleb Bonemer to discuss the path that’s carrying him through the organization. Bonemer reflects on growing up playing baseball in Michigan, the challenges of developing in Midwest weather, and the people who’ve helped him stay focused on a day-to-day approach as he’s worked to refine his swing and overall game. Bonemer also talks about his experience playing shortstop at 19 in pro baseball and preparing to add third base to his defensive mix this season. He shares how teammates like Colson Montgomery and Sean Burke have supported his development, walks through his routine leading up to games, and opens up about life away from baseball, from golfing to spending time with his dogs.

Road to the Rate rolls on as David Sandlin and Tanner McDougal stop by to talk about their push toward the big leagues. Sandlin reflects on the adjustment from being dealt by the Boston Red Sox to the Chicago White Sox, dives into his work with Pitching WRX alongside Davis Martin, and breaks down the evolution of his arsenal, from the kick-change to his slider and cutter, and how he manages velocity. McDougal shares where he sees himself fitting into the clubhouse, the veterans he’s leaned on in camp, and the adjustments he’s made as he inches closer to Chicago. He also opens up about understanding exactly what the organization wants from him, the biggest strides in his development, and the teammates who’ve caught his eye this spring as both pitchers continue their climb toward the majors.

Road to the Rate is back with Connor McKnight. In the first episode of 2026, Connor sits down with Paul Janish, Director of Player Development for the Chicago White Sox. Janish shares insight into the organization’s evolving philosophy, how last year’s approach compares to this season, and what fans should know about rising prospects like Braden Montgomery and Caleb Bonemer as they climb the system. The conversation also dives into pitching development, from managing injuries to defining roles and how the Sox determine player assignments at each level. Janish discusses the impact of new coaches, Triple-A manager Chad Pinder's impact on the organization, and how the White Sox approach big-picture decisions like the Rule 5 Draft, all while keeping players focused on taking the next step toward Chicago.

Connor McKnight closes out season one of Road to the Rate with White Sox Director of Player Development Paul Janish to recap the year on the farm and look ahead to 2026. The two dig into why Tanner McDougal earned a spot on the 40-man roster, the next wave of impact bats like Sam Antonacci and Braden Montgomery, and how the organization is managing workloads and roles for arms such as Grant Taylor and those returning from injury. Janish also outlines what new minor league hitting coordinator Sherman Johnson Jr. will bring to the system, why “swing decisions” remain a core organizational focus.    

Kannapolis Cannon Ballers' pitching coach Jacob Dorris joins Connor McKnight from the Arizona Fall League to discuss balancing development, health, and results at season’s end. He shares insights on Hagen Smith’s growth, Grant Umberger’s steady rise, and Mathias LaCombe’s potential, plus how the White Sox teach pitch efficiency and count leverage to help young arms go deeper into games.

Connor McKnight sits down with White Sox director of player development Paul Janish to put a bow on 2025 and look ahead to the Arizona Fall League. They unpack how the Birmingham Barons went back-to-back in the Southern League, why that club’s identity matters, and how the org balances AAA needs with giving Double-A players real playoff reps. Paul digs into development vs. “money skills,” what communication looks like inside individual plans, and how the Sox decide when to transition a starter to the bullpen for a quicker big-league impact.

Connor McKnight is joined by Caden Connor and Sam Antonacci from the Birmingham Barons as they battle for another Southern League title. The guys share what makes this team so tough to play against, how they’ve adjusted to new levels of competition, and why the Barons’ clubhouse culture has been special all season long. They also talk about their individual growth, the keys to their approach at the plate, and what’s ahead with the Arizona Fall League.

Connor McKnight dives into player development on Road to the Rate with two standouts from the White Sox system. Braden Montgomery—fresh off a 14-game hitting streak and White Sox Minor League Hitter of the Month—breaks down his process-first mindset, the work of maintaining two swings as a switch-hitter, and how his defense has leveled up. Then Tyler Schweitzer joins to unpack his September surge (0.00 ERA over 21 IP, 0.76 WHIP), the “attack from pitch one” philosophy, resetting after Charlotte, trusting his catchers, and thriving in any role Birmingham needs

The Birmingham Barons are rolling — and pitchers Tanner McDougal and Shane Murphy are leading the charge. McDougal opens up about his comeback from Tommy John and refining his command, while Murphy shares how preparation and mindset have fueled his breakout season. Two rising White Sox arms you need to know.

White Sox Director of Player Development Paul Janish returns to Road to the Rate for a deep dive into the club’s post-draft and post-deadline phase. Janish explains how the Sox align scouting and development, what they look for in new draftees, and how they determine when a prospect is ready for the next level — or even the big leagues. He breaks down the balance between letting players settle in and making early adjustments, why grit and character matter as much as tools, and what it means to build a professional.

On this episode of Road to the Rate, Triple-A manager Sergio Santos joins the show to share what it really takes to develop future big leaguers. From delivering life-changing call-ups to managing through struggles, Santos reflects on his journey through every level of the minors and how he helps players grow on and off the field. He talks about balancing development with winning, how the White Sox system is evolving, and what he’s learned since stepping into the dugout.

On this episode of Road to the Rate, Connor McKnight is joined by White Sox Director of Player Development Paul Janish to break down the organization's latest player development milestones. They discuss top prospects Noah Schultz and Braden Montgomery earning spots in the Futures Game, the rise of Grant Taylor in the major league bullpen, and what it takes to develop hitters who can handle elite velocity. Paul also provides insight on Hagen Smith’s reset and return, the developmental strategy around pitch usage, and how the Sox are identifying talent ahead of the MLB Draft.

Two of the hottest players in the White Sox minor league system join Road to the Rate. Connor McKnight sits down with lefty starter Grant Umberger to break down his rise in Kannapolis—going from undrafted free agent to rotation standout with a 1.80 ERA. Then, top prospect George Wolkow joins the show to talk plate discipline, timely hitting, and how his shift to center field is helping shape his future.

Welcome to Road to the Rate, hosted by Connor McKnight. This debut episode lays the foundation for a new White Sox-focused podcast that tracks the organization’s rising minor league talent and the player development philosophies shaping them. Connor is joined by White Sox Director of Player Development Paul Janish for a wide-ranging conversation on how the organization is building the next wave of South Siders. From development routines and analytics to rising prospects like George Wolkow, Braden Montgomery, and Kyle Teel, it’s a behind-the-scenes look at how the Sox are cultivating future stars.