ESPN's David Schoenfield is suggesting the Chicago White Sox trade for Freddy Peralta. However, the two-time All-Star pitcher is struggling mightily in New York. His woes might go beyond just beyond on a bad Mets' team. If that is the case, it might be better for the White Sox to see if Shane Smith can correct his pitching issues rather than gamble on Peralta fixing his on the South Side at the cost of trading away prospects.

With names like Sonny Gray, Reid Detmers, and Michael Wacha in the mix, the Sox must weigh the cost of prospect capital against the urgent need for pitching stability.

Pitching woes run deeper, as persistent walk issues threaten to derail the season. Insightful analysis spotlights Davis Martin, Noah Schultz, and Anthony Kay's inconsistencies, while fan polls reveal a clear priority: player development for sustained success over a short-term playoff push. Dive into detailed breakdowns of Miguel Vargas’ emergence as team MVP, Colson Montgomery’s progress, and what the White Sox must fix to compete in the AL Central. Can the Sox curb their walk rate and finally build lasting momentum?

00:00 — Freddy Peralta Trade Debate
Discussion of the potential White Sox trade for Freddy Peralta, warning against acquiring him due to recent decline and suggesting internal fixes or alternative targets.

10:07 — Pitching Staff Walk Issues
Analysis of White Sox pitching struggles, especially the impact of excessive walks by both starters and relievers, and implications for team performance.

20:01 — Fan Polls & Season Goals
Breakdown of fan poll results, the importance of long-term development over playoff pursuit, player MVP voting, and reflections on classic baseball elements.

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The Chicago White Sox face a pivotal decision: Is trading top prospects for pitchers Sonny Gray and Aroldis Chapman worth mortgaging the future? Host Todd Welter breaks down proposed trade scenarios, dissecting The Athletic's and Foul Territory's Jim Bowden’s controversial ask and why the Sox shouldn’t overpay for veteran rental arms that the former GM suggests they should give up.

Clubhouse chemistry, player development, and the team’s strategic vision for sustainable success take center stage as the organization weighs short-term playoff aspirations against the long-term health of its prospect pipeline.

Key topics include prospects Billy Carlson and Jaden Fauske's potential, payroll implications, and the true value of Gray and Chapman amidst a seller’s market. Plus, hear candid insights on Colson Montgomery’s scrutiny, the White Sox’s reputation among MLB players, and what roster moves would actually accelerate their rebuild. Can Chicago build a winner without repeating the mistakes of past regimes?

00:00 High Price: Gray & Chapman Trade
Host Todd Welter analyzes trade rumors involving Sonny Gray and Aroldis Chapman, critiques the proposed trade cost, and discusses prospect value.

12:00 White Sox Reputation & Clubhouse Vibes
Host Todd Welter examines anonymous MLB player polls, the team's reputation, technological improvements, and evolving clubhouse culture.

19:40 Mailbag: Montgomery, Trades, Injuries
Host Todd Welter addresses listener questions about Colson Montgomery's development, possible trade targets, and injury updates.

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: lockedonwhitesox.supercast.com

Amazon
This Back To School Season, spend less on your kids, with Amazon. With Amazon’s low Back To School Prices, just spend less on your kids. Because every dollar you don’t spend on them, is a dollar you haven’t spent on them.

KALSHI
For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything.

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. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now.

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 (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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The Chicago White Sox face a pivotal decision at the trade deadline—should they stand pat or target key pitching upgrades? Host Todd Welter questions whether the solutions to the team’s weaknesses truly lie within, spotlighting prospects like Tanner McDougal and Hagen Smith while arguing against sacrificing top talent like Billy Carlson and Jaden Fauske for short-term fixes. With the American League wide open, could an internal boost from Munetaka Murakami returning or Jacob Gonzalez staying hot at the plate spark a postseason run?

Welter dissects the White Sox’s remarkable turnaround since Colson Montgomery’s call-up, tracing the transformation from last year’s 28–57 struggles to legitimate AL Central contenders. The episode challenges nostalgia for old-school baseball, tackles fan frustrations, and breaks down how big-league strategy and player development have propelled the current core. Will Chicago push further toward a World Series window in 2028, or does context-driven progress already make 2026 a season to celebrate?

00:00 — Trade Deadline Strategy
Discussion about the White Sox’s approach to the trade deadline, internal solutions, and prospect capital.

11:45 — Traditionalists vs Modern Game
Debate over old-school vs data-driven baseball, innovations in the sport, and how the game is evolving.

23:35 — White Sox Yearly Progress
Reflecting on the White Sox's progress since July 1st of the previous season and the impact of recent prospect promotions.

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

Amazon
This Back To School Season, spend less on your kids, with Amazon. With Amazon’s low Back To School Prices, just spend less on your kids. Because every dollar you don’t spend on them, is a dollar you haven’t spent on them.

KALSHI
For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything.

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. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now.

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 (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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