Explore every episode of the podcast Road to The Rate: A Minor League Podcast

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.

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.