After a 2024 season that saw them set the modern-era record for losses, the Chicago White Sox spent 2025 proving they weren’t going to be a punchline. Under manager Will Venable, the White Sox posted a 19-win improvement, finishing with 60 victories and a renewed sense of identity. The biggest acquisition of the offseason was the signing of Munetaka Murakami (2 years, $34million), the elite Japanese superstar who brings left-handed power to the middle of the order. Chicago also brought in Seranthony Dominguez (2 years, $20million) to help stabilize the bullpen and Anthony Kay (2 years, $12million) for depth in the rotation. While not a “move” in the traditional sense, the White Sox officially won the 2026 MLB Draft Lottery, securing the #1 overall pick; which gives them an inside track to draft UCLA SS Roch Cholowsky, the expected pick. As they head into 2026, the rebuild has shifted into a youth movement and the 121-loss trauma is in the rearview mirror, replaced by an intriguing young lineup.
Lineup
The White Sox lineup is a blend of high-ceiling prospects and an international star. It’s no longer the veteran-heavy group that the team has relied upon in the past; instead, being built on athleticism, defensive versatility, and “boom or bust” power. The success of the lineup hinges on Murakami; with the expectation being that he will act as White Sox biggest threat to opposing pitchers. Colson Montgomery and Chase Meidroth give the White Sox the foundational middle infield they are hoping will lead the franchise for years to come. Montgomery is projected by many to hit 25-30 homeruns in his first full season and Meidroth (the projected leadoff hitter) is valued for his patience at the plate and high-OBP which can set the table for Murakami and Montgomery. Luisangel Acuna (acquired from the Mets) is expected to be the everyday center fielder as his elite speed and range make him the most logical fit for the position. Miguel Vargas is expected to have a permanent home at 3B with the addition of Murakami, and the White Sox are hoping he can build off of a 16 homerun and 60 RBI season.
Rotation
The real excitement for the pitching staff isn’t actually in Chicago yet as the White Sox are starting their top three pitching prospects together at Triple A Charlotte (Noah Schultz, Hagen Smith, and Tanner McDougal). The expectation is all three will be called up to the majors sometime this season. The White Sox current rotation is very young and has been hit with a major injury. It was announced that Mike Vasil (who was coming off a 2.50 ERA last year) will undergo Tommy John surgery and miss the entire 2026 season. Shane Smith was named the starter of Opening Day and is hoping to build off a solid 2025 season in which he finished with a 3.81 ERA. Kay has had a very good spring (15 strike outs in 16.1 innings pitched) and there is hope that he can be an excellent addition to this staff in transition. Sean Burke, last year’s opening day starter, needs to work on his consistency in the middle of the rotation. Davis Martin and Erick Fedde are expected to fill out the backend of the rotation.
Bullpen
While the rotation is a work in process, the bullpen is arguably the team’s biggest strength heading into 2026. Chris Getz, the general manager, spent the offseason aggressively reallocating resources here to ensure when the young starters exit games, there is a veteran “firewall” in place. Dominguez will be the undisputed closer, and while his walk rate (5.2 BB/9 last season) is a known risk, his 98-mph fastball and whiff rate (94th percentile) make him a true “Tier 1” closing option. After a failed experiment as a starter with the Giants and Red Sox, Jordan Hicks is back in his natural habitat and will serve as the primary bridge to Dominguez. Grant Taylor is considered the high-upside “wildcard” and is coming off a strong rookie season (13.3 K/9) and is expected to be used in more high-leverage situations as the staff loves his 99-mph heater. Sean Newcomb will be moved to the bullpen and is expected to be the primary left-handed presence to combat heavy-hitting lefthanded batters.
Projected Lineup
- Chase Meidroth – 2B
- Luisangel Acuna – CF
- Munetaka Murakami – 1B
- Colson Montgomery – SS
- Edgar Quero – C
- Miguel Vargas – 3B
- Austin Hays – RF
- Andrew Benintendi – LF
- Lenyn Sosa – DH
Projected Rotation
- Shane Smith
- Anthony Kay
- Sean Burke
- Davis Martin
- Erick Fedde
Projected Bullpen
Seranthony Dominguez – Closer
Jordan Hicks – Setup
Grant Taylor
Sean Newcomb
Jordan Leasure
Jedixson Paez
-Manager: Will Venable (2nd season)
Projection: 69-93 (5th in the AL Central)
Written By: Brian Finnigan
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