The Chicago White Sox: A New Era?
In a league where 100-loss seasons are a bitter pill to swallow, the Chicago White Sox have endured three consecutive years of such misery. But as we step into 2026, there's a glimmer of hope amidst the gloom.
The White Sox have been busy, making significant moves to turn their fortunes around. They've signed some big names, including Japanese sensation Munetaka Murakami, and bolstered their pitching staff with the acquisitions of LHP Anthony Kay and RHP Seranthony Domínguez. The team has also added some offensive firepower with the signing of OF Austin Hays and the trade for CF Luisangel Acuña. But it's not just external additions; the White Sox have also been nurturing some of the league's top prospects.
We witnessed the impact of Colson Montgomery, Chase Meidroth, and Kyle Teel in 2025, and now, we turn our attention to the next wave of White Sox prospects who could make a splash in 2026. Let's dive into the three players who are poised to make a significant impact.
LHP Noah Schultz: The Menacing Mound Monster
At a towering six-foot-ten, Noah Schultz is a force to be reckoned with on the mound. This 22-year-old left-hander boasts a diverse five-pitch arsenal, with a heavy sinker and slider being his go-to weapons, complemented by a curveball, changeup, and a four-seamer. Schultz has dominated the minors since being drafted in 2022, but 2025 presented a unique challenge.
Across Double-A and Triple-A, Schultz maintained a respectable 4.68 ERA and a 4.30 FIP. However, a poor 16.1-inning stint in Triple-A, likely exacerbated by a right patellar tendinitis injury, skewed these numbers. He was sidelined in July due to the injury but made a brief return in September, pitching just five innings. Despite this setback, Schultz has been making excellent progress during the offseason, according to team reports.
Schultz's strikeout prowess is undeniable, as he managed to strike out 23.2% of opposing hitters across both levels in 2025. However, command issues plagued him, walking opponents 13.8% of the time, which resulted in a below-average 9.5% K-BB%. This was a significant departure from his previous high of 6.9% in walk rate.
There's reason to be optimistic, though. Schultz himself has attributed his struggles to the knee injury, which affected his performance throughout the season. If his recovery is indeed progressing as well as the White Sox claim, we could see Schultz return to his pre-2025 form. While he might need some time to fine-tune his skills in the minors, a June call-up is certainly within reach, and MLB playing time in 2026 seems almost guaranteed.
OF Braden Montgomery: The Switch-Hitting Sensation
Braden Montgomery, the switch-hitting outfielder, didn't disappoint after headlining the return for Garret Crochet in the last offseason. At just 22 years old, Montgomery found himself in Double-A by the end of his first professional season, a testament to his talent.
Across 121 minor-league games, Montgomery slashed an impressive .270/.360/.444, belting 12 homers along the way. His performance remained consistent at each level, with a wRC+ above 133 at every stop in the minors during 2025. A significant factor in his sustained success was his increasing line drive rates, which improved at each level as the year progressed (Low-A: 13.2%; High-A: 21.1%; Double-A: 32.1%).
However, Montgomery's strikeout rate in Double-A raises a slight concern. He struck out about 28.7% of the time, with most of the issues arising against left-handed pitching. In 37 plate appearances against southpaws, he struck out 40.5% of the time, while his strikeout rate against right-handed pitching was a more manageable 24.3% in 107 plate appearances. While the sample size is small, it's an aspect of his development as a switch hitter that bears monitoring.
Currently not on the 40-man roster, it's unlikely we'll see Montgomery with the major-league squad on Opening Day. But if his performance continues on the upward trajectory seen in 2025, an early-May or June call-up could be on the cards.
RHP Tanner McDougal: The Rising Star
Tanner McDougal, the 22-year-old right-hander, is one of the biggest risers in the White Sox's farm system, coming off an impressive fourth professional season. After struggling in his early minor-league seasons, McDougal took a massive leap forward in 2025, splitting time between High-A and Double-A.
Across both levels, the White Sox's No. 5 prospect dominated, posting a 3.26 ERA and a 3.15 FIP in 113.1 innings pitched. He also boasted a strong 3.20 xFIP and an impressive 28.3% strikeout rate. McDougal's ability to strike out hitters is matched by his acceptable walk rate, walking around 10.2% of opposing hitters last season. The former fifth-round pick is also adept at inducing ground balls, forcing them 45.3% of the time in 2025, in line with his career norms.
With a strong spring training performance, McDougal has a real chance of making the Opening Day roster. Scouts have rated his fastball and slider as 60 on the 20-80 scale, with an average curveball (50) and a below-average changeup (30). There's no indication that his success in 2025 was a fluke, and he appears more than ready for the MLB stage.
One thing is certain: When McDougal makes his MLB debut, he'll provide much-needed support to the White Sox's rotation.
