Chicago White Sox News

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Luisangel Acuña • 2B • White Sox

Luisangel Acuna Searching for More Power With Mechanical Tweak

Chicago White Sox infielder/outfielder Luisangel Acuna has made swing tweaks this offseason to "stay loaded in his back leg more" to "allow him to elevate the ball for consistent power," according to James Fegan of Sox Machine. Acuna, 23, is trying to make the move to center field and carve out a regular role in his first year with the White Sox in 2026. The Venezuelan has appeared in the outfield twice in 109 career major-league games, but he split time more evenly between center and short in recent Venezuelan Winter League action. Acuna hit .282/.397/.542 with eight homers in a small 39-game sample size in his native country, but he batted .234/.293/.274 with no homers, eight RBI, and 16 steals in 95 games last year with the New York Mets. Making more contact should be a top priority for Acuna, who is favored to start in center field for the Pale Hose on Opening Day. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues will want to take a wait-and-see approach with the younger brother of Ronald Acuna Jr.

7 hours ago

Kyle Teel • C • White Sox

Kyle Teel to be Chicago's Everyday Catcher?

It sounds like the Chicago White Sox view catcher Kyle Teel as their everyday catcher. "We do view Teel as an everyday guy. But at the catching position, we know that doesn't mean you're actually in there every day. It's a demanding role. And Edgar is a guy that we like the bat against lefties, so there's DH opportunities for him. He's going to be able to catch, too, so there should be plenty of at-bats for those guys," manager Will Venable said when asked about splitting at-bats for Teel and Edgar Quero in 2026. Teel, a 23-year-old left-handed-hitting backstop, made his major-league debut last year and held his own with a .273/.375/.411 slash line, .786 OPS, eight home runs, 35 RBI, 38 runs scored, and even three steals in 78 games played in Chicago. Teel didn't look great against left-handed pitchers, but he's clearly the team's preferred catcher, and the rest of his profile makes him an attractive low-end starting catching target with upside.

4 days ago

Munetaka Murakami • 3B • White Sox

Munetaka Murakami Will Primarily Play First Base, Could See Some Time at Third

Chicago White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami is expected to get some run at third base over the course of the season, per manager Will Venable. Chicago's skipper stated that the Japanese slugger will play mostly first base, though, as the complementary pieces around him fit better that way. The 26-year-old's main position over the last few seasons has been the hot corner while playing for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), however, he played mostly first base during his first two years in the NPB (2019-20). He's eligible for both positions in Yahoo! leagues. The left-handed slugger is known for some big power that also comes with a lot of swing and miss, so he represents a high-risk, high-reward lottery ticket toward the end of 2026 fantasy drafts. Murakami is currently ranked 222 overall in RotoBaller's latest rankings, right around his NFBC ADP of 220.

4 days ago

Drew Thorpe • SP • White Sox

Drew Thorpe has Hit "Road Bumps" in his Recovery

Chicago White Sox right-hander Drew Thorpe (elbow) has hit what he described as "road bumps" in his recovery process, according to Scott Merkin of MLB.com. Thorpe visited Dr. Keith Meister last week and was told that his ligament looks solid. Doctors believe his pain is coming from some tendinitis in his elbow. The 25-year-old was placed on the 60-day injured list last March and missed all of 2025 after undergoing Tommy John surgery. The former second-round pick by the New York Yankees in 2022 out of Cal Poly made his major-league debut with Chicago in 2024 and had a 5.48 ERA and 1.26 WHIP with 25 strikeouts and 21 walks in 44 1/3 innings over his nine starts. Thorpe wasn't very sharp in his first taste of the majors, which wasn't exactly a surprise after he skipped Triple-A. While he could be ready for the start of the 2026 season, fantasy managers in dynasty/keeper leagues shouldn't expect Thorpe to contribute until maybe the second half.

5 days ago

Noah Schultz • SP • White Sox

Noah Schultz's Knee Not an Issue, Expects to Make MLB Debut in 2026

Chicago White Sox left-handed pitching prospect Noah Schultz (knee) believes that he will make his major-league debut in 2026 and also said his right knee "feels great." "Having no issues. It's been great. Did PT through the offseason and in a good spot, and it's not an issue," Schultz said about his knee. The 22-year-old southpaw, who is ranked as the No. 49 overall prospect by MLB Pipeline, was shut down last September due to tendinitis in his knee, but he's expected to be a full-go for the start of this season. Schultz had a 3.34 ERA and 1.56 WHIP with 58 strikeouts and 36 walks in 12 starts (56 2/3 innings) at Double-A Birmingham before struggling to a 9.37 ERA in five starts at Triple-A Charlotte to end his 2025 campaign. The 6-foot-10 hulking lefty was the 26th overall pick in 2022. Schultz will go undrafted in single-year leagues, but he's a firm stash and hold in dynasty/keeper formats.

7 days ago

Colson Montgomery • SS • White Sox

Colson Montgomery Shows That His Power is Here to Stay

Chicago White Sox shortstop Colson Montgomery made his MLB debut last season. While he logged a modest 71 appearances before the year came to an end, he wasted no time showing the world just how much power he possesses in his swing. Montgomery launched 21 homers across 71 MLB games -- more home runs than he had ever hit in a full minor league season. The thump was legitimate, but concerns persisted about his strikeouts; he posted a 29.2% strikeout rate and 8.8% walk rate down the stretch. Still, he finished the year with 129 wRC+ and 9.3 fWAR at the plate, as well as 7.0 fWAR in the field. Most of his defensive reps came at shortstop (6 OAA and 6 FRV), although he did log a dozen appearances at the hot corner. Montgomery could legitimately slug 40-plus home runs this year, so while it remains to be seen whether he can cut down on strikeouts, he offers intriguing fantasy upside nonetheless. As it stands, he ranks as the #21 shortstop and #116 hitter in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball draft rankings for 2026.

Feb 9

Kyle Teel • C • White Sox

Kyle Teel to Share Time Behind the Dish?

Chicago White Sox general manager Chris Getz said that both young catchers Edgar Quero and Kyle Teel will work exclusively as catchers in 2026, according to Bruce Levine of 670 The Score. Teel, a former 14th overall pick by the Boston Red Sox in 2023 out of Virginia, has the higher fantasy baseball ceiling as a low-end starting catching option in single-catcher leagues. The 23-year-old left-handed hitter made his MLB debut in 2025 and hit .273/.375/.411 with a .786 OPS, eight home runs, 35 RBI, and 38 runs in 253 at-bats. Quero was in the big leagues in Chicago before Teel, but Teel saw most of the playing time behind the dish against righties. Quero, 22, hit .268/.333/.356 with a .689 OPS, five homers, 36 RBI, and 31 runs in 365 at-bats. Teel should be a solid source of on-base percentage at the catching position against lefties in what could be a platoon in the Windy City.

Feb 9

Erick Fedde • SP • White Sox

Erick Fedde, White Sox Agree to One-Year Deal

Free-agent pitcher Erick Fedde and the Chicago White Sox agreed on a one-year deal, pending a physical. The veteran saw some success in his return from the KBO in 2024, pitching to a 3.30 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and a 14.0 percent K-BB%. However, he was unable to parlay that production into 2025. The 6-foot-4 hurler played for three different teams (Cardinals, Braves, Brewers) and registered an unsightly 5.49 ERA, 1.52 WHIP, and just a 2.6 percent K-BB%. The former first-rounder tentatively slots in as the fifth starter, although he'll likely face competition for the job this spring from the team's top pitching prospects, Noah Schultz and Hagen Smith, as well as another offseason acquisition, Sean Newcomb. Still just 32 years old, Fedde could have something left in the tank, but he's off the season-long fantasy radar for now.

Feb 9

Mike Vasil • RP • White Sox

Mike Vasil to Compete for Starting Rotation Spot

Chicago White Sox pitcher Mike Vasil will get a chance to compete for a starting rotation spot in Spring Training. Vasil mostly pitched as a reliever last season, but recently said on the Baseball Isn't Boring podcast that he'll get a chance to pitch as a starting pitcher. The 25-year-old registered a 2.50 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, and an 82/52 K/BB ratio across 47 games (three starts) with the White Sox last season. He mostly worked as a multi-inning reliever and threw over 100 innings in 2025. The transition to a starting pitcher doesn't seem too difficult for Vasil, given he's already stretched out as a multiple-inning reliever. Before the 2025 campaign, Vasil was a full-time starting pitcher in the minor leagues with the New York Mets. The White Sox certainly need help in the starting rotation, so they might as well give Vasil a chance.

Feb 6

Grant Taylor • RP • White Sox

Grant Taylor to Transition Back to Starting Role in 2027?

Chicago White Sox right-hander Grant Taylor has a goal of reaching 100 innings pitched in 2026 in his second big-league season, and MLB.com's Scott Merkin suggests that the 23-year-old could be an option to start again in 2027. "Having got through last year, adding [Seranthony] Dom nguez, being able to slot guys in different areas, we are going to have more freedom to use Grant to win games, as opposed to fulfill some innings limit," manager Will Venable said. The addition of Seranthony Dominguez to the bullpen should free Taylor up to work multiple innings more out of the bullpen this year after he threw 36 2/3 frames in his first taste of MLB in 2025. Taylor had 37 pitches at 100 mph or faster, and he topped out at 102.2 mph on June 22. He had 54 strikeouts but an ERA of 4.91. The 23-year-old threw a career-high 63 1/3 innings last year between the minors and majors. Although high-leverage opportunities could come, most of Taylor's work this year is expected to come in long relief. Taylor's strikeout upside is obvious, but durability is a concern.

Feb 4

Jordan Leasure • RP • White Sox

Jordan Leasure was Almost Traded to Red Sox

According to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com, the Boston Red Sox nearly acquired Chicago White Sox right-handed pitcher Jordan Leasure in a trade. Last week, the Red Sox sent right-handed pitchers Jordan Hicks and David Sandlin to the White Sox in exchange for right-handed prospect Gage Ziehl. However, it appears the Red Sox were also very interested in bolstering their bullpen with Leasure. Last season, Leasure logged 64 1/3 innings to the tune of a 3.92 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP. He struck out an eye-catching 81 hitters while generating an above-average 3.19 xERA. Managers should expect the 27-year-old to operate as the primary setup man for Seranthony Dominguez on the South Side. While his save opportunities could be limited, he should be given ample opportunities to tally double-digit holds.

Feb 4

Hagen Smith • SP • White Sox

Hagen Smith to Compete for Early Promotion to Triple-A?

Chicago White Sox left-handed pitching prospect Hagen Smith could push for an early-season ticket to Triple-A. Smith is currently ranked as the No. 5 prospect in the system and the No. 88 overall prospect on MLB.com. Smith made his professional debut in 2024 following the 2024 MLB Draft, where he was selected with the fifth overall pick out of Arkansas. During this brief 7 2/3-inning stint, Smith posted a 3.52 ERA with a 1.17 WHIP. In 2025, the southpaw spent his entire campaign with Double-A Birmingham. During this stint, Smith logged 75 2/3 innings to the tune of a 3.57 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP. While he allowed a high 56 walks. He showed high-end strikeout potential, totaling 108. If Smith can improve his command in camp, he could be in the mix to join Triple-A early in 2026, opening the door for a second-half MLB debut.

Feb 3

Jordan Hicks • RP • White Sox |

David Sandlin • SP • White Sox

White Sox to Acquire Jordan Hicks, David Sandlin From Red Sox

The Chicago White Sox are set to acquire right-handed pitcher Jordan Hicks and right-handed pitching prospect David Sandlin from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for right-handed pitching prospect Gage Ziehl, per Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com. Cotillo characterizes the trade as a "salary move" for Boston, as the White Sox are reportedly absorbing the majority of the money still owed to Hicks. Boston acquired Hicks from the San Francisco Giants as part of the return for infielder Rafael Devers in the middle of the 2025 season. Hicks has worked as both a starter and a reliever in his career to this point, so he gives Chicago some innings-eating versatility. However, the 29-year-old struggled across 67 1/3 innings split between Boston and San Francisco in 2025, posting a 6.95 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, and 58 strikeouts. Sandlin is a 24-year-old pitching prospect who split the 2025 season between Boston's Double-A and Triple-A affiliates. Across 106 innings pitched (32 games) in the Minors last year, he posted a 9-6 record with a 4.50 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, and 107 strikeouts. Sandlin has experience as both a starter and a reliever in his pro career, so he profiles as a versatile depth piece for Chicago.

Feb 1

Austin Hays • LF • White Sox

Austin Hays Agrees With White Sox on One-Year Deal

Free-agent outfielder Austin Hays and the Chicago White Sox agreed on a one-year, $6 million contract on Saturday, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports. Hays should have a regular path to playing time in Chicago in 2026, especially after the team traded Luis Robert Jr. to the New York Mets this offseason. The 30-year-old is coming off one of the best seasons of his career in 2025 with the Cincinnati Reds, when he slashed .266/.315/.453 with a .768 OPS, 15 home runs, 64 RBI, 60 runs scored, and a career-high seven stolen bases in 103 games and 416 plate appearances. Hays went on the injured list three separate times with calf, hamstring, and foot injuries, and he also missed some time in the final month with back spasms. Chicago is a good landing spot as far as playing time goes, and he should hit in the middle of the order, but durability is an issue for an outfielder with moderate power.

Jan 31

Luisangel Acuña • 2B • White Sox

Luisangel Acuna to Compete for Center Field Role

Chicago White Sox infielder Luisangel Acuna is expected to compete for the starting center field role during spring training, according to Dan Bartels of The New York Post. Acuna was shipped to the White Sox from the New York Mets earlier this winter in exchange for outfielder Luis Robert Jr. Acuna made his MLB debut during the 2024 season, but earned his first extended stint in the big league last summer. Across a career-high 95 games with the Mets in 2025, Acuna held a .234/.293/.274 slash line with seven doubles and 16 stolen bases. Through 159 career games at Triple-A, Acuna has held a .265/.307/.360 line with seven long balls and 48 stolen bases. Even though Acuna has primarily been an infielder coming up through the New York system, he will have an opportunity to carve out a role in the Chicago outfield. He is a name to watch in deeper category formats given his high-speed upside.

Jan 31

Edgar Quero • C • White Sox

Edgar Quero Working on Swing at Driveline

Chicago White Sox catcher Edgar Quero was working at Driveline in the offseason to improve his swing. Quero has been looking to increase his bat speed and quality of contact for the upcoming campaign. The young backstop made his MLB debut last summer and posted a .268/.333/.356 line with 17 doubles and five home runs. While he showed a strong eye at the plate with a 17.6% K%, he struggled to generate hard contact, posting a low .290 xwOBA and 67.5 mph bat speed, which placed him in the fourth percentile. Coming up in the minor leagues, Quero posted an .829 OPS across 98 games at the upper levels during the 2024 season. This season, Quero is slated to share catching duties with Kyle Teel, but he could carve out a role as a primary DH if he were to increase his power upside. For now, he is a name to monitor in deeper two-catcher formats.

Jan 31

Miguel Vargas • 3B • White Sox

Miguel Vargas to Mainly Play Third Base

Chicago White Sox infielder Miguel Vargas is excited about the chance to primarily be a third baseman this upcoming season. Vargas said he's 100 percent happy with playing third base, and it's a position he has been playing since he was a kid. He did see action at the hot corner last season, but also played 63 games at first base. Given these comments, it seems likely that Munetaka Murakami is going to be the everyday option at first base. The shift to full-time third baseman is a downgrade defensively for Vargas, who made nine errors in 79 games at the hot corner last season. He doesn't offer a ton of upside with the bat, but he did produce decent power numbers last season. Vargas slashed .234/.316/.401 with 16 home runs, 60 RBI, and six steals in 138 games in 2025. He figures to be the everyday man at third base with Lenyn Sosa mixed in as well.

Jan 30

Kyle Teel • C • White Sox

Kyle Teel Adds Muscle This Offseason

Chicago White Sox catcher Kyle Teel has reportedly put on some muscle this offseason. According to Scott Merkin, Teel has added about 20 pounds of muscle mass as he prepares for the 2026 season. The 23-year-old put together solid numbers during his time on the South Side last season. Teel slashed .273/.375/.411 with eight home runs and 35 RBI in 78 games in 2025. The hope is that the addition of muscle mass will help Teel in the power category this upcoming season. The former first-round pick is hopefully going to be a big part of the future on the South Side of Chicago. Fantasy managers should be excited to see what a full season of Teel looks like at the big league level.

Jan 30

Lucas Sims • RP • White Sox

Lucas Sims Signs Minor-League Deal With White Sox

The Chicago White Sox have signed relief pitcher Lucas Sims to a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training. Sims is looking to bounce back after posting ugly numbers with the Washington Nationals last season. He allowed 19 earned runs with 14 walks across 18 appearances with the Nats in 2025. The 31-year-old hasn't been successful since leaving the Cincinnati Reds mid-way through the 2024 season. In seven years with the Reds, Sims registered a 3.94 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, with nearly 300 strikeouts in over 200 appearances. It's a low-risk move for the White Sox, who could get a decent middle reliever if Sims bounces back.

Jan 30

Braden Montgomery • RF • White Sox

Braden Montgomery Earns Invite to Spring Training

The Chicago White Sox have invited top outfield prospect Braden Montgomery to big-league spring training. Montgomery joined the White Sox with the 12th overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft out of Texas A&M. He made his professional debut in 2025 with Low-A, but quickly progressed through the lower levels, ending the regular season at Double-A Birmingham. Through 87 total games shared between Low-A and High-A, Montgomery posted a .269/.360/.455 line with 11 long balls and 11 stolen bases. During his first 34 contests at Double-A, the 22-year-old continued to play well, posting a .272/.364/.416 line. However, he would only hit one long ball during this stint. While Montgomery may not reach the majors until later in the second half, a strong showing in spring training could earn him a ticket to Triple-A.

Jan 30

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