Surprising candidate named Chicago White Sox’s first half MVP

Houser opened his 2025 campaign by appearing in nine games at the Triple-A level, starting eight of them. The right-hander compiled a 5.03 ERA and a 37/15 K/BB ratio. Still, the White Sox decided to give Houser a chance and signed him to major league contract.

That gamble has paid off in spades for Chicago. Over seven starts with the team, Houser holds a 1.90 ERA and a 31/14 K/BB ratio. His most recent outing against the San Francisco Giants showed the righty’s true potential. Houser pitched seven scoreless innings, allowing just four hits and one walk while striking out five. The White Sox earned a rare 1-0 victory.

Houser leads the team in ERA among pitchers with at least 30 innings thrown. Furthermore, he has helped stabilize a pitching rotation waiting for the team’s best prospects to fully develop. But with the trade deadline looming, Houser’s best asset to the White Sox may be his tradability.

He has blown past any expectations Chicago had for him. On a one-year deal, the White Sox can now ship him to a contender in return for an intriguing prospect. If it all works out, maybe that prospect will be a key piece of the South Side’s eventual revival.

Other MVP options

Whoever ends up getting the White Sox’s All-Star nomination will likely be viewed as the true first half MVP. If it’s not Houser – which would be surprising since he didn’t start the year with the team – Chicago’s best options available are Shane Smith and Miguel Vargas.

Smith has struggled in his three outings, allowing five or more runs in each. However, over his first 16 games total in the the majors, he holds an impressive 3.86 ERA and a 74/35 K/BB ratio. He is leading the team in strikeouts and has fully solidified himself as part of the rotation in the present and future.

Vargas’ numbers on the surface don’t jump off the page, as he is hitting just .220 with 10 home runs, 34 RBI and four stolen bases. But his counting stats are already new career-highs, showing the infielder’s development. Furthermore, he went on a scorching pace during the month of May, hitting .263 with seven home runs and 17 RBI. Vargas will need to show a bit more consistency, but he’s staking his claim to remain apart of the long-term infield plans.

Whoever earns the All-Star nomination will be extremely telling. However, after the trade deadline, the White Sox are surely to look like a much different team.