This story was excerpted from Scott Merkin’s White Sox Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

CHICAGO -- The White Sox posted a 5-1 record to finish the 2024 season.

But in the context of a single-season Modern Era record (since 1901) of 121 losses, it’s somewhat like telling a boat owner that their ship sank, but at least they saved the brass bell.

There’s plenty of work to be done for general manager Chris Getz and his staff. Let’s take a look at five questions that the White Sox need to answer this offseason, with a focus on 2025 and beyond.

1. Who will be the next manager?

The managerial search was deemed the “organization’s most important decision in the coming months” as part of a 500-plus-word statement from chairman Jerry Reinsdorf, which was released by the team during the final game of the year, discussing the trying nature of this season and the commitment to improvement at all levels. The exhaustive search with a wide array of candidates already began, but Getz is not rushing the process.

“Obviously, [we’re] at the mercy of other clubs that are potentially in the playoffs, and you want to respect those situations,” Getz said in his last group media session of the season. “Timeline wise, I would expect certainly at some point late October, early November.”

Grady Sizemore jumped from Major League coach to interim manager on Aug. 8, when Pedro Grifol was removed from the position two days after the end of a 21-game losing streak. Sizemore posted a 13-32 record, but his influence was felt through better overall morale, energy and competitiveness shown by the team.

Numerous White Sox players made their voices known in support of Sizemore during the final month.

“He’s a very easy guy to follow. He’s a good leader in the clubhouse,” said White Sox ace Garrett Crochet. “Most of all, he’s got the credibility of having played at this level, and at a really high level.

“So there’s a lot of faith and trust that the guys have in him. Would love to see him here moving forward … He’s got experience from our side of the ball, and he’s got experience from the managing side now. For me, that’s everything I would be looking for.”

2. Will Crochet start on Opening Day?

Picture Crochet at the top of the White Sox rotation, followed by a combination of Jonathan Cannon, Sean Burke, Davis Martin, Drew Thorpe and eventually Noah Schultz (the White Sox No. 1 prospect and No. 16 overall, per MLB Pipeline) and Hagen Smith (No. 2/No. 30). It’s a talented and youthful front five giving the team a chance to win more often than not.

The White Sox have two years of arbitration control over Crochet, but with the team unlikely to contend in these next two years, it probably won’t keep the southpaw without a contract extension. Crochet should bring back a strong return in a trade, but that potential deal certainly would be carefully orchestrated and thought out, much as the situation with Dylan Cease played out last offseason and into Spring Training.

3. What about Luis Robert Jr.?

Robert dealt with a right hip flexor strain that sidelined him from April 6 to June 3. Then he was faced with the ensuing recovery process, trade rumors and the worst season, production-wise, of his five-year career. The center fielder will earn $15 million in 2025, followed by $20 million club options for '26 and '27 with $2 million buyouts. Teams understand Robert's vast talent, but they might want to see him healthy and productive before making a move.

Robert and Crochet fit under the heading of players every team wants, especially the White Sox.

4. When will youth be served?

Pundits, including the author of this newsletter, thought shortstop Colson Montgomery (the White Sox No. 3 prospect and No. 37 overall) would make his big league debut in 2024. But the left-handed-hitting shortstop never got there, struggling with a .214 average and .710 OPS to go with 18 home runs and 63 RBIs for Triple-A Charlotte. A confident Montgomery will learn from his first real struggles, and he can readjust his White Sox target for '25.

Schultz and Smith rank as the Top 2 left-handed pitching prospects in MLB, per MLB Pipeline, and they should also arrive in 2025. Edgar Quero (No. 4/No. 59), who was part of the taxi squad for the final week of the 2024 season, could break camp as part of the catching tandem with Korey Lee.

5. What's Andrew Vaughn's future?

Vaughn had a $3.25 million salary in 2024, and that number figures to go up in his second year of arbitration. With the White Sox potentially cutting payroll, could the first baseman be part of a roster trim?

There’s basically no chance Chicago will not tender Vaughn a contract. He is a valuable clubhouse presence, and many people believe the best days are ahead for the 26-year-old.

Vaughn has been solid over four seasons and 562 games, but he hasn’t quite lived up to what’s expected from the No. 3 selection in the 2019 MLB Draft. There was outside interest in Vaughn at the Trade Deadline, so he could be moved in a deal.