Road to The Rate: A Minor League Podcast
The road to 35th and Shields starts here. Road to The Rate is your all-access look at the future of the Chicago White Sox, hosted by Connor McKnight. We spotlight the rising stars across the Sox’s farm system — from Charlotte to Birmingham, Winston-Salem to Kannapolis — with in-depth analysis, exclusive interviews, and scouting insights. If you’re passionate about player development, prospect rankings, and the next wave of talent headed to Rate Field, this is your show. Whether it’s draft picks making their pro debut or Triple-A standouts knocking on the door, Road to The Rate tracks every step of the Sox farm system on their way to The Show.
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Episodes
Wednesday Jul 16, 2025
Wednesday Jul 16, 2025
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.
Wednesday Jul 02, 2025
Wednesday Jul 02, 2025
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.
Wednesday Jun 18, 2025
Wednesday Jun 18, 2025
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.
Wednesday Jun 04, 2025
Wednesday Jun 04, 2025
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.