Why the White Sox could be surprisingly good in 2026

The Chicago White Sox have quietly added several interesting pieces during the offseason.

The White Sox were the surprise winners of the Munetaka Murakami sweepstakes, signing the Japanese slugger to a two-year, $34 million contract. Pitchers Anthony Kay and Sean Newcomb were added to bolster their rotation, although Newcomb could be used in relief. Seranthony Dominguez reportedly agreed to a two-year, $20 million contract with the White Sox. Former top prospect Luisangel Acuna was acquired as part of the trade that sent outfielder Luis Robert Jr. to the Mets. 

Those players add to what is an intriguing core for the White Sox. Catchers Edgar Quero and Kyle Teel showed a great deal of promise and could be cornerstones at the position. Shortstop Colson Montgomery showed off his impressive power, hitting 21 homers in 284 plate appearances in 2025. Fellow infielders Miguel Vargas, Chase Meidroth and Lenyn Sosa began to establish themselves as viable major league options.

Chicago White Sox's rebuilding process showing potential

The White Sox have several pieces on the pitching side as well. Rule V draft pick Shane Smith was an All-Star as a rookie and could be a solid middle-of-the-rotation starter. Reliever Mike Vasil, another Rule V draftee who was acquired via waivers, was a multi-inning weapon in the bullpen. Pitchers Jordan Leasure and Grant Taylor showed flashes of their potential.

Reinforcements are coming. Top prospects Noah Schultz and Hagen Smith are expected to debut in 2026, adding a pair of talented lefties with top-of-the-rotation starter potential. Outfielder Braden Montgomery could get an opportunity to crack the Opening Day roster with Robert in New York. 

The White Sox rebuilding process is not close to being over. However, there is no questioning that general manager Chris Getz has improved the talent level of the organization. 

That talent could lead to a surprising performance in 2026. If young players such as Montgomery and Teel can take another step forward and Murakami can live up to expectations, the White Sox lineup could prove to be better than expected. The same could hold true with the pitching staff, especially if Schultz can follow in the footsteps of Chris Sale and Garrett Crochet as he gets a chance in the majors. 

The White Sox are not yet ready to contend for a playoff berth. However, if their young talent can take another step forward, a quietly strong offseason could lead to a better season on the South Side than expected.