3 former White Sox thriving elsewhere further validates Chicago’s turnaround

For much of the past several years, joining the Chicago White Sox wasn’t viewed as an especially appealing opportunity, particularly for newcomers. Entering the 2026 season, the franchise had endured three consecutive 100-loss campaigns and had not posted a winning record since 2021, when they last reached the playoffs and were eliminated in the American League Division Series.

That said, the organization has undergone significant change over the past three to four years. Since taking over as general manager on Aug. 31, 2023, Chris Getz has overseen a major overhaul of the roster and farm system. After weathering two more difficult seasons, the White Sox now appear to be on solid footing, with a first-place major league club and a farm system stocked with promising talent for the future.

Additionally, the club has received contributions from unexpected players, a testament to Getz’s ability to find and acquire talent. All-Star Tristan Peters is a prime example of this, but players like Kyle Teel, Braden Montgomery, Chase Meidroth, and Miguel Vargas all came over via trade.

Even so, roster turnover inevitably comes with difficult decisions, and not every move works out as planned. Along the way, the White Sox have watched several former players go on to find success elsewhere. In 2026, three former members of the organization stand out as prime examples of players who have flourished after Chicago moved on from them.

Three former Chicago White Sox thriving elsewhere actually further validates the organizations turnaround

1) 1B Curtis Mead

After being acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays in the Adrian Houser trade a year ago, Curtis Mead didn’t make a huge impression over 41 games with the organization in 2025, posting just a .584 OPS. With the addition of Munetaka Murakami over the winter, Mead was traded to the Washington Nationals where his 17 home run and .865 OPS breakout has him standing out in Washington.

2) OF Derek Hill

Through 50 games with the White Sox this year, Hill’s overall numbers were not great. However he did have a pair of pinch hit home runs and a knack for delivering in the clutch. He was traded to the Phillies on June 11, where over the last 23 games he is slashing .327/.352/.538. Notably, on June 24 he hit a pinch hit home run to cap off an improbable comeback win for Philadelphia.

3) 1B Jacob Gonzalez

Although this trade is just a week old, Jacob Gonzalez has wasted no time making an impact on the Pittsburgh Pirates. On July 18, during just his second at-bat, he took Gavin Williams of the Cleveland Guardians deep.

Jacob Gonzalez LAUNCHES a home run in just his 2nd AB as a member of the Pirates!

106.7 MPH, 428 FT pic.twitter.com/qULqS84v86

— Just Baseball (@JustBB_Media) July 18, 2026

No organization gets every personnel decision right, and the White Sox are no exception. The difference now is that Chicago is in a great spot thanks to Getz’s ability to scout and find players. While it’s never ideal to see former players thrive elsewhere, the White Sox have assembled a roster capable of competing in the present while also having a promising farm system.

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