Through seventeen of their 31 scheduled spring contests, the White Sox are 5-12. While only a modest improvement over last year’s historic .253 win percentage, Spring Training is far more about individual stories than wins and losses. Thankfully, there are several key players with good showings over the past couple weeks to highlight.
Here are the seven most notable performers, ranked by importance.
1. Grant Taylor
4.0 IP, 0 R, H, BB, 9 K
Following a rough stint in the Arizona Fall League, Taylor had some things to prove this spring. He’s answered that call in a major way, pitching four lights-out innings and registering strikeouts on all six outs against the world champion Dodgers. Ridiculously, every single one of Taylor’s offerings grade as above-average.
The second-round draft pick from 2023 was optioned to minor league camp Sunday and will likely start the season with Low-A Kannapolis or High-A Winston-Salem. Keep an eye out for Taylor on top prospect lists as the year progresses.
2. Kyle Teel
12 AB, 1.244 OPS, 2 HR, 3 BB
Considered the most coveted piece of the Garrett Crochet trade return by many, Teel has battered pitchers this spring. It started with a loud bomb off new Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki in back-field action, and the 23-year-old hasn’t looked back since.
Teel has a healthy chance of breaking camp in Chicago, but a tandem of Korey Lee and Matt Thaiss will handle catching duties if Chris Getz and Co. feel there’s more to improve in Triple-A ball. That won’t be an easy conclusion to make after recent action, however.
3. Hagen Smith and Noah Schultz
3.0 IP, 0 R, H, 3 BB, 4 K / 3.0 IP, 0 R, H, 3 BB, K
I know two players in one is cheating, but they’ve been the same guy this spring! Both powerful, young lefties recorded three clean innings across appearances in the same two games. Neither has seen big league or Triple-A hitters before, so six combined scoreless frames for the pair is a noteworthy feat.
In a fun storyline, the pair seem to have bonded over the offseason.
Schultz very well could begin his 2025 campaign with Triple-A Charlotte, positioning him to make a mid-season debut in the bigs. Smith, meanwhile, may see a little bit of time with Winston-Salem, but should find himself at Double-A Birmingham early in the year.
22 AB, 1.059 OPS, 2 HR, 3 BB, 6 K
Is he back? Are we back? It’s a small sample size, but La Pantera seems more like his usual self this spring. The embattled star has looked comfortable at the plate in the Cactus League, with ample production and a K/BB ratio miles better than last year’s.
Regardless of whether Getz is actively shopping him, the White Sox would benefit massively from a revamped LRJ in 2025.
5. Davis Martin
4.0 IP, 0 R, H, 0 BB, 5 K
Common sentiment held that Martin or counterpart Jonathan Cannon would start Opening Day for the South Siders. Thus far, the former has looked much more the part. Armed with his vicious “kick” change-up, Martin has impressed in Spring Training, allowing just one baserunner in his two outings.
19 AB, .917 OPS, HR, 3 BB, 2 K
Vargas was the butt of a cruel joke last season, being traded at the deadline from the eventual World Series champions to MLB’s worst team ever. His play didn’t gain him any sympathy from White Sox fans, however, as he was abysmal in his two-plus months of play. Analysts quickly noticed Vargas’s struggles against power fastballs and pegged him as a certain bust.
Undeterred, the third baseman has turned heads in Arizona so far. The OPS is great, sure, but far more compelling is his two strikeouts and three walks in 22 plate appearances. Will Venable will have no problems keeping Vargas in his lineup if that discipline persists come April.
26 AB, 1.024 OPS, HR, 5 2B, 3 K
Drury, a veteran outfielder, had a pair of really solid seasons in 2022 and 2023. Last year, however, he was horrendous with the Angels. Chris Getz took a flyer on him this winter, and Drury has been a consistent force in the spring Chicago lineup. Increased bat speed may be the biggest factor, as in this small sample Drury is greatly improved from 2024.
Three strikeouts and six extra-base hits in 27 plate appearances will certainly play, but Sox fans should be pleased if he’s even just average this season.
Honorable Mentions
Jordan Leasure: 4.0 IP, 0 R, 0 BB, 7 K
Penn Murfee: 4.0 IP, 0 R, 0 BB, 8 K
Tyler Gilbert: 8.0 IP, 1 ER, 0.88 WHIP
Dan Altavilla: 5.0 IP, 1 ER, 0 BB, 6 K
Lenyn Sosa: 22 AB, .899 OPS, 4 BB
Nick Maton: 17 AB, 2 HR, 1.015 OPS
Korey Lee: 13 AB, 3 XBH, 1.077 OPS
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Featured Image: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
