CHICAGO -- There will be a new television voice for the White Sox beginning in the 2027 season, as the team announced Monday afternoon that John Schriffen’s contract will not be extended.
Schriffen, 42, became the club’s main television play-by-play broadcaster prior to the 2024 season on a three-year-deal.
“John has been a true professional throughout his three seasons with the White Sox, bringing energy, enthusiasm, and a distinctive style to our broadcasts,” Brooks Boyer, the organization’s executive vice president, chief revenue/marketing officer, said in a statement on Monday. “As his contract comes to an end, we believe this is the appropriate time to evaluate the direction of our broadcasts and determine what is best for the organization and our fans moving forward.
“We are appreciative of John’s contributions and the connection he built with our fanbase. We wish him continued success in his future endeavors.”
There’s little doubt Schriffen’s high-energy style fit best with the 2026 White Sox, producing 84 victories, 11 wins of the walk-off variety and a spot in the postseason as the American League’s third Wild Card. The teams in Schriffen’s first two seasons were part of a stretch of three straight campaigns with at least 100 losses, including a Modern Era single-season record of 121 setbacks during Schriffen’s debut in '24.
Fans would yell out “Show me the Mune” as Schriffen made his way out to tailgates around Rate Field or saw him on the field pregame, echoing his call when Munetaka Murakami connected on one of his 35 home runs. That connection with the fans might not have been universal, as is often the case for even the longest-tenured broadcasters, but was something truly appreciated by Schriffen.
“I’m grateful to the Chicago White Sox organization for the opportunity to call games over the past three seasons,” said Schriffen in a statement following the team’s announcement. “Being part of this team’s turnaround and playoff run was truly special.
“I want to thank White Sox fans for welcoming me to Chicago and for their support throughout my time here. I’ll always cherish the memories and look forward to what’s next.”
What’s next for the White Sox is a national search for Schriffen’s replacement, which will begin immediately, according to the team’s announcement Monday. Steve Stone’s baseball excellence will return as the television analyst, and the same return goes for top-notch sideline and on-field reporter Brooke Fletcher. The expert tandem of Len Kasper and Darrin Jackson continue on the White Sox radio side.
One interesting name who could be in the mix is Karl Ravech, the top-notch baseball announcer who no longer is with ESPN. Having someone with that expertise would be of interest to any team.
But somewhat of a local connection also would rank as important in the hiring equation, a source confirmed to MLB.com. Here are three of those potential candidates:
Connor Onion: The 31-year-old attended Lyons Township High School in LaGrange, Ill. He has done baseball on FOX, paired up at times with A.J. Pierzynski, and is the No. 2 college football play-by-play voice for FOX Sports alongside Robert Griffin III.
Wayne Randazzo: Currently serving as the primary television play-by-play voice for the Angels, Randazzo was born in Chicago and attended St. Charles East High School and North Central College, both in Illinois. He also has done strong, extensive work filling in on the Bulls, with Onion also getting those same NBA opportunities.
Connor McKnight: McKnight already is a valuable part of the White Sox television broadcast, with White Sox television play-by-play experience.
Adam Amin, the talented television play-by-play voice of the Bulls, won’t be moving to Chicago’s South Side for baseball. He could factor into some small part of the White Sox broadcast picture depending upon the main hire.
This will be the organization’s second search for a new play-by-play voice in the last three years. Schriffen signed a multi-year contract with the White Sox in January 2024 to fill the position vacated by Jason Benetti, who departed the organization to become the lead play-by-play announcer for the Detroit Tigers.