Three questions facing the White Sox this offseason

The 2026 season was a resounding success for the Chicago White Sox.

The White Sox entered the season with low expectations, appearing solidly in the middle of their rebuilding process. That seemed true through the first four weeks, as the White Sox held an 11-17 record on April 26. Chicago heated up from that point forward, holding the division lead from mid-June until the final days of the regular season, ultimately ending the year with an 84-78 record and the final Wild Card berth. Their unexpected run through the postseason came to an end in the ALDS when the Guardians battled back from a 2-0 deficit to eliminate the White Sox in five games.

Now comes the hard part. The White Sox were the biggest surprise in baseball in 2026, but they need to build on their success. The 2026-27 offseason could be pivotal as they look to continue to build a sustainable contender on the south side.

Three questions facing the Chicago White Sox

1. Can the White Sox extend first baseman Munetaka Murakami?

Murakami did not have the type of market he was expected to as questions about his hit tool persisted, leaving the White Sox as the unexpected winner for his services on a two-year, $34 million contract. While he struggled to consistently make contact, he also showed off his impressive eye at the plate and prodigious power. Murakami posted a solid .202/.347/.478 batting line with 35 homers in his 553 plate appearances, giving the White Sox a dangerous power bat in the middle of the lineup.

The question now is whether or not the White Sox can keep Murakami beyond 2027. Murakami and the White Sox reportedly have mutual interest in a long-term deal and have engaged in conversations, although nothing has come to fruition. As Murakami became an integral part of the lineup and clubhouse, it would not be a surprise if a long-term deal gets hammered out after the expected labor stoppage.

2. Can Luis Castillo be the starter the White Sox need?

The White Sox acquired Castillo from the Mariners at the trade deadline to bolster their rotation. That deal did not work out, as Castillo posted a disappointing 8.42 ERA and a 1.806 WHIP in his 31 innings with the White Sox before his season ended due to a right shoulder impingement.

The White Sox have pieces in place for the rotation. Sean Burke had a breakout performance while Anthony Kay and Davis Martin are solid options. Talented youngsters Hagen Smith and Noah Schultz could play a big part in their 2027 plans. However, a veteran presence such as Castillo would go a long way toward stabilizing the rotation - provided that he is healthy and can rebound from his disappointing 2026 showing.

3. Can the White Sox find more balance to the lineup?

The White Sox hit 211 homers in 2026, the fifth-most in the majors and tied for the eighth-most in franchise history. They were also fifth in the majors with 1,494 strikeouts, a number inflated by Murakami (196 strikeouts) and shortstop Colson Montgomery, who set a major league record with 227 strikeouts in 2026. Those struggles to make consistent contact were a factor as they were unable to put the Guardians away in the ALDS.

The White Sox have players who make a high amount of contact. Outfielders Sam Antonacci and Tristan Peters have proven adept at getting on base, with Antonacci in particular showing a penchant for getting hit by pitches. Adding another contact oriented bat, especially one with speed, would help the White Sox be less of a three-true-outcomes lineup.