The White Sox make the 2027 playoffs

     The key to the White Sox season in 2026, for their fans and organization, will be patience.  The Sox brass has started to rebuild for the past three seasons, and this season is the most important if they are going to compete in the AL Central.  I believe they can make the 2027 playoffs, and may be a World Series contender in 2028.  And their greatest strengths will be versatility on defense and power arms in the rotation.

     With the recent signing of Japanese star power hitter Munetaka Murakami, the White sox let the league know they are serious with rebuilding. Murakami plays third base but can also play first.  Colson Montgomery is an elite talent and can play shortstop, third base, first base and left field. For now he is the shortstop. Chase Meidroth is a bulldog second baseman that every team needs.  Kyle Teel is the best young catching prospect in baseball.  Miguel Vargas will likely be the first baseman for now, but his real strength is as the fourth infielder with pop off the bench.  I'm not sure if Luis Robert Jr. can be fixed offensively; however he provides elite defense.  The outfield is the weakness for the Sox, but eventually Brooks Baldwin might be a solid option in left field.  

     The pitching situation is unique.  There is absolutely no reason for Hagen Smith, Noah Schultz, Johnathon Cannon, or Tanner McDougal to pitch in the minors with the exception of maybe rehab. Hagan Smith, age22, had 24 wins pitching in the SEC and has had enough learning last year at double A.  Schultz, 22 years old, has been at double A for 4 years. McDougal, 23 years old, has finally found control to go with that big arm after his Tommy John surgery three years ago.  Yoennys Gomez was a great sneaky pick up off waivers from the Dodgers.  He's only 25 years old and has two major league seasons.  Shane Smith, also only 25 years old, gives them an all-star with major league experience.   

     The biggest arrival might come to the Sox in July.  I will tell you now, with the first pick in the 2026 Major League draft the White Sox select Roch Cholowsky.  He is an absolute stud shortstop with power. He is twenty years old and will likely be the starting shortstop opening day in 2027. This would allow Montgomery to move to first base or third base with Munetaka playing the other.  That then makes Vargas a utility player and bat off the bench, which suits him best.  

    Free agent outfielders coming available in the winter of 2026 are impressive and the only major need for the Sox.  Ronald Acuna Jr., Randy Arozarena, Aroldis Garcia, Victor Robles, Ramon Laureano, and Lourdes Gurriel Jr., are great options.  Signing two of those outfielders will put the Sox in the playoffs in 2027.