MILWAUKEE -- The White Sox have a fresh marketing idea for the 2026 season. And even with the plethora of top young talent at the core of this team, “The Kids Can Play … Again” was not an option. The theme is centered on momentum, as in the momentum built through a 28-37 second half to the 2025 season growing into something more. “These guys had a great camp and worked extremely hard,” manager Will Venable said. “We are confident and ready to go.” Here’s a look at some key factors for the 2026 White Sox. What Needs To Go Right: Development? We’re talking about development. If it wasn’t clear before, let’s make it perfectly clear now: The White Sox are looking to win games in 2026. They want to take meaningful steps forward from a team losing 100-plus games in three straight seasons. Even with the additions of first baseman Munetaka Murakami, outfielder Austin Hays, closer Seranthony Domínguez and fellow relievers Sean Newcomb and Jordan Hicks, the development of their rebuild core will lead this team forward. Players such as Colson Montgomery, Kyle Teel, Edgar Quero, Chase Meidroth, Grant Taylor and Shane Smith had solid debuts in 2025 but need to take that next step for the team to take that next step. There’s another level of talent close behind them, including outfielder Braden Montgomery, the top White Sox prospect and No. 36 overall, left-handers Noah Schultz (No. 2 White Sox, No. 49 overall) and Hagen Smith (No. 4, No. 72), right-hander Tanner McDougal (No. 6) and infielder Sam Antonacci (No. 9). |
Great Unknown: Murakami’s success Murakami is the biggest impact addition made by the White Sox during this current rebuild and the most accomplished player from the Pacific Rim to ever join the franchise. But there’s still a question as to how his skills will translate when coming to Major League Baseball. He not only has to adjust to a new league but to a new country. The White Sox are helping forge a smooth transition, from the front office to his teammates to the additions of bidets to the home clubhouse at Rate Field. Murakami is a tireless worker with a very regimented routine -- a strict, set plan followed by most top-notch talents. If he takes off with the bat, the White Sox could follow as a team. Team MVP Will Be: Kyle Teel/Edgar Quero The White Sox have not been able to separate this pair of outstanding players behind the plate, and they really haven’t tried, to be honest. Why should they, with the talent possessed by this duo? I’m following the same plan by picking a co-MVP. Not only can Teel, 24, and Quero, 22, hit the ball with authority, but they are developing across the board as catchers. They will be entrusted to lead a starting rotation with the ability to work deep into games, although not really featuring any pure-stuff hurlers. Teel starts the season on the injured list with a Grade 2 right hamstring strain, but he’s excelling in the recovery process and hoping for a return sometime in early April. It’s tough to pick one MVP from this group, with White Sox team success based on the entirety of the close-knit crew working together. |
Team Cy Young Will Be: Taylor Shane Smith is the logical choice. He was a 2025 All-Star, then he was selected as the Opening Day starter, and he should only grow stronger with this year of experience behind him and his dedication to mound improvement and setting the tone for this staff. But I’m leaning toward Taylor. With an eye toward a future starting-rotation spot, Taylor could be used in the same sort of role managed so expertly by Mike Vasil in ’25. He’ll throw multiple innings, he’ll open games, he’ll close games and do everything in between. Taylor’s electric stuff could make the right-hander a White Sox difference-maker. Bold Prediction: Murakami wins Rookie of the Year My past predictions here have not been exactly perfect, or even in the neighborhood of perfect, so Murakami might decline such a dubious honor. But I went with Colson Montgomery as the AL Rookie of the Year in this ’25 category, and he finished fifth in the voting with 21 homers in 71 games. So, I’ll stick to what brought me close to success. Murakami can be a first-year force, just as José Abreu was during his first season in 2014 with the White Sox after coming over from Cuba. |
MLB MORNING LINEUP PODCAST |
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• A hearty Mazel Tov to Paul Konerko on his induction into the Cactus League Hall of Fame. Talented player, great guy, great interview -- I know he misses the interviews. I still remember when he was ejected from a Cactus League game in Tucson, Ariz.: At a moment when his day’s work was complete, he was leaving the game anyway and really didn’t do anything. • It took me three or four innings during Sunday night’s home Cactus League finale to realize Mariners fans' “woo” tribute to Ric Flair was for their starting pitcher, Bryan Woo. As a side note, Mariners fans are an enthusiastic group who travel very well. • Michigan men’s basketball getting into the Sweet 16? Check. Michigan women’s basketball into the Sweet 16? Check, check. Michigan men’s hockey as the No. 1 seed overall in its NCAA Tournament? That was also there. They might as well win three national championships, since they are in position to do so. • I’m happy for Madeline Kenney, Scottie Spinazola, and the countless ardent Nebraska sports fans. Fred Hoiberg is such a good fit as coach for that men’s basketball program. • I had a chance to interview Robbie Avila a few years ago as a CHISOX Athlete. He was an engaging young man, and while I’m glad his St. Louis team lost to the Wolverines, I look for big things from him in the future. • Make sure to say hello if you make the trip to Milwaukee for the opening series. I know the Brewers have an ardent fan base, but I sense many White Sox supporters are taking that 100-mile journey. |
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“It’s an exciting young group. That’s definitely the word on the street. I’m happy to be a part of it and get to know these guys.” -- catcher Reese McGuire, the new addition to the White Sox roster |
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