White Sox Ready to Build on Last Season’s Second-Half Surge

This article recaps the Chicago White Sox’s spring training outlook as they shift from a rebuild phase into a potential winning club. It highlights new additions, improved chemistry, and what lies ahead for the 2026 season.

Spring Training optimism and team chemistry

“The players are bonded as friends and genuinely care about each other,” said Mike Vasil. He underscored the intangible energy fueling Chicago’s momentum after a strong second half in 2025.

The White Sox enter spring training with a renewed sense of purpose. They seem confident that last year’s late surge can be a springboard into a competitive 2026.

Chris Getz, the general manager, connects that optimism to concrete offseason moves. He insists the team’s focus has shifted from pure development to winning now.

Chicago finished the 2025 season with a rally after the All-Star break, posting a 28-37 record in that span. The front office points to better offense, improved bullpen depth, and a tighter clubhouse as the catalysts for late-season improvement.

Bullpen upgrades

• Seranthony Domínguez brings a proven late-inning option and could take on a set-up role to stabilize high-leverage innings.
• Jordan Hicks adds another power arm who can bridge from starters and long-relief roles into the closer’s mix if needed.

Offensive upgrades

• Munetaka Murakami, the Japanese slugger, joins a lineup hoping to inject more power and run production. He gives Chicago a true middle-of-the-order threat.
• Austin Hays strengthens the outfield and adds a steady mix of speed and on-base presence. He complements the existing core and offers some protection for Murakami on the lineup card.
• Luisangel Acuña is in the mix, acquired in the trade involving Luis Robert Jr.. He provides internal competition and depth across the outfield and infield corners.

Rotation, depth and competing for spots

The rotation leans on a mix of veterans and young arms, aiming for stability and clear innings. The Sox have outlined a group built to soak up starts while letting younger pitchers develop behind them.

Depth gets tested early in camp as competition tightens in the starting rotation and bullpen. The organization is counting on internal growth and the new pieces to push the ceiling higher across the staff.

Rotation and depth chart

• Eric Fedde brings veteran know-how and a reliable presence in the back of the rotation.
• Davis Martin is part of the club’s experience core, looked to for consistency and length.
• Jonathan Cannon and Sean Burke carry upside as developing pitchers who could influence long-term stability.
• Shane Smith represents youthful potential and scope to contribute in multiple roles.
• Anthony Kay arrives as a new addition, adding depth and cross-usage versatility to the staff.

Clubhouse culture and the path forward

Inside the clubhouse, the emphasis has shifted toward winning now. The bullpen looks fortified, and the offense flashed promise in the second half.

Chicago’s plan also hinges on offensive balance, defensive versatility, and continued development from the pipeline of young arms. The No. 1 pick in the upcoming amateur draft remains a strategic beacon, offering a potential cornerstone as they balance immediate competitiveness with long-term growth.

Draft implications and playoff window

With a more complete roster and a clearer idea of the rotation, the White Sox are hoping to carry last season’s late surge into something real. The arrival of Murakami and Hays brings a spark, and with a deeper bullpen plus some honest competition in the outfield, there’s actually a shot at contending in the AL Central. Maybe even sneaking into the playoff picture, if things break right.

This season really comes down to execution. Can Getz and the front office work the roster smartly around that No. 1 pick? Will the pitchers take their spring training velocity and turn it into results when it actually counts?

Clubhouse chemistry is a wild card—sometimes it matters, sometimes it’s just talk. If it does click, maybe the 2026 White Sox finally turn all this optimism into wins. But hey, nothing’s guaranteed in baseball.

 
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