Amid swirling rumors suggesting a potential move to Nashville, the Chicago White Sox have denied any imminent plans to relocate, emphasizing their focus on developments in the Windy City.
Speculation sparked following a meeting between White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf and Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell during the MLB winter meetings in December.
Could the Chicago White Sox really move to Nashville? It’s complicated.https://t.co/YtMANaM5p4
— Chicago Tribune (@chicagotribune) April 1, 2024
However, recent statements from team officials have shed light on the organization’s priorities.
Bob Nightengale of USA Today dismissed the relocation rumors, labeling them as “the silliest rumor.”
“The silliest rumor circulating in Chicago is that the White Sox are pondering a move to Nashville,” Nightengale said. ”A future MLB team in Nashville will likely be an expansion team.”
What was that about The White Sox moving to Nashville @BarstoolBigCat ? https://t.co/i1tK64ZO6i
— #MLB2Nashville (@mlb2nashville) April 3, 2024
Backing Nightengale’s stance, Brian J. Rogal of the Chicago Tribune revealed the White Sox’s ongoing discussions regarding a new stadium in Chicago.
The proposed stadium, part of the development project known as The 78, aims to revitalize the team’s home grounds.
However, details regarding the budget for the project remain undisclosed.
Ya know what? I’m cool letting the White Sox move to Nashville. This team is so bad it’s almost hilarious. https://t.co/TTNqTWk9T4
— The Great Hambino (@HeresWahldo_91) April 7, 2024
“In February, the White Sox and developer Related Midwest unveiled the design for a new stadium at The 78, a 62-acre planned development southeast of downtown along the Chicago River,” Rogal reported.
“The pair have held talks about the plan with officials from the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority, which owns Guaranteed Rate Field, the Sox’s current home in Bridgeport, completed in 1991.”
The way the A’s plan to slink out of Oakland with a social media post that has replies silenced is disgusting. Never should a fan ever side with owners or @MLB leadership.
Now order your $15 campfire milkshakes and listen to empty threats about Nashville, White Sox fans.
— Chris Lanuti (@ChrisLanuti) April 4, 2024
Reinsdorf addressed the speculation, affirming the team’s commitment to deciding its future within the remaining six years of its stadium lease, set to expire in 2029.
“I’ve been reading about (how) I’ve been threatening to move to Nashville,” Reinsdorf said. “That article didn’t come from me. But it’s obvious, if we have six years left, I think that’s what it is, we’ve got to decide what’s the future going to be.”
Just go to Nashville. Put me out of my misery.
(It's been 7 games) pic.twitter.com/3VyBTjg6Jv
— DJ (@WhiteSoxDJ) April 6, 2024
Despite being the “second team” in town, the White Sox have a loyal fan base who have put up with a lot of bad baseball.
They’re hoping that the organization is able to work something out and stay put in Chicago.
If you take the club at their word, it seems like that’s exactly what they intend to do.
at this point i don’t think i would care if the white sox moved to nashville… the organization is garbage
— Perc Hinrich (@slacker_sully) April 6, 2024
The White Sox are trying to destroy their fanbase so they can move to Nashville https://t.co/wTDuitTumG
— Ryan Fraley (@fraydog) April 1, 2024
What are your thoughts on the situation?
Do you think deep down, Reinsdorf would prefer to move to Nashville?
Will the White Sox end up staying in Chicago, perhaps with a brand-new stadium?
As far as Nashville, do you think Major League Baseball would be a major success there???
some kid currently taking his first steps for the 2050 nashville white sox pic.twitter.com/mJAIadcma2 https://t.co/QcB7dPBOhI
— Brennan #WeWantRenel 🍉 (@BayAreaBrennan) April 4, 2024