The White Sox lost 100+ games for the third year in a row, but last year actually marked a 19-win improvement for them. They finally seem to be digging out of the hole they created for themselves through some shrewd trades and smart pickups. They continued to turn the roster over by trading All-Star outfielder Luis Robert Jr., but they actually added to the roster as well, signing free agent slugger Munetaka Murakami from Japan and closer Seranthony Dominguez.
The White Sox are still a long way from
contending, but their roster looks a lot closer to Major League than it did a few years ago, and they likely won’t be a total pushover.
Chicago White Sox
2025 record: 60-102
2026 PECOTA projection: 69-93
2026 ZIPS projection: 69-93
Manager: Will Venable
Key additions: Luisangel Acuña, Seranthony Domínguez, Erick Fedde, Austin Hays, Jordan Hicks, Anthony Kay, Jarred Kelenic, Munetaka Murakami, Sean Newcomb, Everson Pereira, Lucas Sims
Key losses: Tyler Alexander, Cam Booser, Yoendrys Gómez, Martín Pérez, Luis Robert Jr., Josh Rojas, Mike Tauchman, Michael A. Taylor, Steven Wilson
Offense
The White Sox were fourth-worst in runs scored among all MLB teams last year, but they have some promising young hitters who could improve their run scoring in 2026. Colson Montgomery came up mid-season and smacked 21 home runs in just 71 games, earning some Rookie of the Year votes. Catcher Kyle Teel, the plum from the Garrett Crotchet trade, showed very solid offensive numbers. His 12.5 percent walk rate was fourth-best among all rookies with at least 250 plate appearances. Edgar Quero could also find time behind the plate, giving the White Sox a potential two-headed monster at catcher.
Munetaka Murakami battled oblique injuries last year, but still smashed 22 home runs in just 56 games. Andrew Benintendi bounced back from two disappointing seasons to be a league-average hitter, although his defense in left is quite poor now. Austin Hays is a lefty masher Royals fans were hoping to bring in, but he’ll do his damage from the South Side of Chicago.
All statistics from 2025. *-indicates numbers in Japan
Pitching
The White Sox were 20th in runs allowed last year, but showed signs of promise with a trio of starting pitchers all 28 years old or younger – Shane Smith, Davis Martin, and Sean Burke. They’ll add groundball artist Anthony Kay, back in the States after two years in Japan. The rotation could also get contributions from Jonathan Cannon, former Royals farmhand David Sandlin, and top prospects Noah Schultz and Hagen Smith this year.
The White Sox had the fewest saves in baseball last year, but they’re hoping Seranthony Dominguez can improve on that. His 30 percent strikeout rate last year was 25th among relievers, and right behind him was Jordan Leasure, a promising young White Sox reliever. Rule 5 pick Mike Vasil had the largest gap between ERA and FIP among all relievers, so there could be some regression there, considering his low strikeout rate. The White Sox signed veteran lefty Sean Newcomb after he had an impressive two months with the Athletics.
All statistics from 2025. *-indicates numbers in Japan
The White Sox are widely expected to finish dead last again, but there are signs of hope for White Sox fans. They have some good young talent with a high ceiling that could make them feistier than expected. The Royals took 10 of 13 games against the White Sox last year, but they’ll likely have to fight harder to have that kind of success against them this year.
