American League Central Preview: Chicago White Sox – Royals

With the Royals looking to return to being competitive in the AL Central, we wanted to take a look around at the other teams in the division and what moves they made this offseason. This is a look at what to expect from the Chicago White Sox this season. 

The White Sox finished last in the division with a 60-102 record, marking their second straight season with over 100 losses after setting an MLB record with 121 in 2024.

Here is a look at some notable additions and subtractions for the White Sox this offseason.

White Sox Subtractions

White Sox Additions

• INF Munetaka Murakami, 2 years, $34 million
• RP Seranthony Dominguez, 2 years, $20 million
• SP Anthony Kay, 2 years, $12 million, mutual option for 2028
• SP/RP Jordan Hicks (trade w/Red Sox)
• OF Austin Hays 1 year, $6 million, mutual option for 2027
• 2B Luisangel Acuna (trade with Mets)
• SP/RP Sean Newcomb 1 year, $4.5 million
• OF Jarred Kelenic (minor league deal)
• P Erick Fedde, 1 year, $1.5 million

Chicago made headlines this offseason with several notable changes. The addition of infielder Munetaka Murakami, signed from the NPB in Japan, is expected to bring significant power to the lineup despite a tendency for strikeouts. Seranthony Dominguez was signed as the new closer to help improve a bullpen that has struggled for the last couple of years.

Just as notable as their signings, the White Sox made a major move by trading former All-Star and Silver Slugger OF Luis Robert Jr. to the New York Mets. In return, they acquired infielder Luisangel Acuna—brother of Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuna Jr.—along with pitching prospect Truman Pauley.

The White Sox also acquired veteran pitcher Jordan Hicks in a trade with the Red Sox. Hicks is expected to either join the starting rotation or be used as a high-leverage relief pitcher, depending on team needs.

Although the additions seem to outweigh the subtractions for the South Siders, the overall impact will depend on how the team manages the new direction and whether young players can take a step toward being more consistently competitive. 

Here is a look at a few injuries and the players who should have the biggest impact on the White Sox’s success in 2026. 

White Sox Injuries

Losing two pitchers to Tommy John surgery—Ky Bush, a top thirty prospect, and Drew Thorpe—depletes pitching depth. Tim Elko and Prelander Berroa have gotten a cup of coffee, but they will be out to start the year, which will limit options in the lineup and out of the bullpen.

Key White Sox Players 

Other players include starting pitcher Davis Martin, infielder Chase Meidroth, outfielder Andrew Benintendi, and utility player Lenyn Sosa (2B/OF).

Notably, SS Colson Montgomery finished fifth in AL Rookie of the Year voting and led the team in bWAR in 2026. Starting pitchers Adrian Houser and Shane Smith will anchor the rotation, with Smith displaying front-line potential thus far in his career. Catcher Kyle Teel and third baseman Miguel Vargas are also young players aiming to build on strong 2025 campaigns and step into more prominent roles at their respective positions.

With a team looking to return and become more competitive, there will be opportunities for several young players. Young players can help speed up a rebuild and quickly return a team to competitiveness if they are called up and succeed. 

The White Sox system boasts five prospects in MLB Pipeline’s top 100, led by OF Braden Montgomery, whose advanced approach and athleticism make him a potential everyday outfielder. LHP Noah Schultz, a power lefty, is expected to contribute to the major league rotation as early as 2026. LHP Hagen Smith projects as high-upside rotation depth. Both SS Billy Carlson and SS/3B Caleb Bonemer show promise but may need more seasoning in the minors before contending for roster spots.

Spring White Sox Storylines (and beyond)

Early in the year, attention will rest on how the team’s catcher and designated hitter roles take shape. With three catchers—Teel, Edgar Quero, and Korey Lee—vying for playing time both behind the plate and at DH, and potential contributions from Murakami, Andrew Benintendi, and Lenyn Sosa in the DH role, this competition will be something worth keeping an eye on. 

Like many teams, the White Sox will hope their young players take a step forward and provide the next core to build around when they return to contention. Colson Montgomery and Shane Smith will headline the position players and pitchers as young players with high upside.

Munetaka Murakami signing with the White Sox was a bit of a surprise, and it will be interesting to see how he adjusts to MLB. Transitioning leagues can present challenges, and the evaluation will focus on both his adjustment to Major League pitching and how opponents approach him. Murakami brings considerable potential, especially in the power department.

With all of the additions shaping the roster for this year and into the future, here is a look at the projected lineup, rotation, and expected record for the White Sox in 2026.

Projected White Sox Lineup

1. Chase Meidroth – 2B
2. Kyle Teel – C
3. Colson Montgomery – SS
4. Munetaka Murakami – 1B
5. Miguel Vargas – 3B
6. Austin Hays – RF
7. Andrew Benintendi – LF
8. Edgar Quero – DH
9. Brooks Baldwin – CF

Projected White Sox Rotation

1. Shane Smith – RHP
2. Davis Martin – RHP
3. Anthony Kay – LHP
4. Erick Fedde – RHP
5. Sean Burke – RHP

Projected White Sox Record

PECOTA: 5th place, 69-93
FanGraphs: 5th place, 69-93

While the projections may temper White Sox fans’ expectations, the roster features intriguing talent and some interesting storylines to keep an eye on this year. Both PECOTA and Fangraphs see improvement over last year, making it worth watching whether the team can surpass forecasts and build momentum throughout 2026 and beyond.

While not projected as favorites, the White Sox are positioned to offer stronger competition in the AL Central this season than in recent seasons. Progress this year could spark renewed division rivalries and signify important steps toward contending for the division crown in the near future for the South Siders.