Episode Details

Chicago White Sox send Opening Day starter Shane Smith to the minors yet again—are cost-cutting decisions ruining their rotation’s long-term prospects? With Andrew Benintendi’s record contract now a liability and his defensive struggles putting him in a left-field platoon, fans are left wondering: how did the richest deal in franchise history turn so sour?

Host Todd Welter unpacks the White Sox’s revolving door of Opening Day starters, highlighting missed opportunities to invest in reliable arms like Lucas Giolito and Dylan Cease. Insights cover the club’s reliance on Rule 5 Draft bargains, Jerry Reinsdorf’s spending habits, and the inconsistent development of top prospects like Sean Burke and Noah Schultz. Welter questions Will Venable’s lineup tactics, explores bullpen burnout, and debates whether the demotion of Smith could have been avoided. With the team’s rebuild now under scrutiny, what’s next for Chicago’s pitching staff—and can the franchise find stability before 2029?

00:00 Cheap Rotation Consequences
Opening Day starter demoted, White Sox's budget pitching strategy examined

12:24 Benintendi Platoon, Contract Woes
Analysis of Benintendi's performance, platoon status, and criticism of his record contract

20:42 Demotion "What Ifs"
Exploring Shane Smith's demotion, bullpen impact, coaching choices, and rebuilding messaging

Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonwhitesox.supercast.com

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Turbo Tax
Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. You can meet face-to-face with a real tax expert, and your documents get uploaded straight to your TurboTax app on the spot. 
Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to find a store near you and book your appointment today.

Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel.Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get two-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins.Visit https://FANDUEL.COMto get started — Play Your Game.
 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP