White Sox Announce Broadcast Change, John Schriffen Out

Tuning in for Chicago White Sox games on CHSN will officially be a different experience for fans starting in 2027.

The team is making a change in the broadcast booth. Play-by-play broadcaster John Schriffen has been informed that his contract, which expired after the 2026 season, will not be renewed, bringing an end to his tenure as the voice of the White Sox after three seasons.

Schriffen, 42, got his first experience broadcasting baseball when he began calling KBO League games on ESPN in 2020. He took the White Sox job before the 2024 season, replacing beloved Chicago sports media figure Jason Benetti after Benetti had a falling out with the organization.

Schriffen didn't exactly get off to a hot start with the White Sox. The first year of his tenure was particularly rough, as he faced plenty of criticism almost immediately.

Many White Sox fans felt Schriffen lacked a feel for the moment. He'd call otherwise meaningless moments for a 41-121 team like they were pivotal, game-deciding plays in a pennant race. He didn't seem to have much awareness or knowledge of White Sox history or the general attitude among Chicago sports fans.

Even Schriffen's harshest critics, though, would admit that he made plenty of progress throughout his three years with the White Sox. Much of his enthusiasm didn't seem as misplaced once the team started to turn things around and became a playoff team in 2026.

He also did a nice job of engaging with White Sox fans during tailgates, at the ballpark, and around the city of Chicago. 

Still, his chemistry with revered color analyst Steve Stone left a lot to be desired, and there were far too many instances where Schriffen gave White Sox fans a reason to tune out before he gave them a reason to tune in.

Ultimately, that left Chicago with a no-brainer decision for 2027. The organization will now conduct a nationwide search for Schriffen's replacement, looking to find a voice of the White Sox who's as exciting and energizing as the team on the field.

The next hire couldn't be more important. The White Sox are entering a new era after making the playoffs in 2026 and winning their first postseason series since 2005. The new play-by-play voice needs to be someone fans can connect with, someone the organization trusts to call what could be some of the biggest moments in franchise history.

The ideal candidate will have experience broadcasting Major League Baseball, an understanding of Chicago sports, and perhaps even ties to the city itself.

While White Sox fans certainly wish John Schriffen well, in my opinion, the organization made the right call.