Shane Smith arrived at camp last year fighting for survival.
This spring, he returns as an All-Star.
The transformation happened fast, but the mindset remains steady.
Selected in the Rule 5 Draft, Smith entered 2025 with uncertainty.
He leaves it as one of the most remarkable rookie pitchers in franchise history.
Now, expectations are different.
But Smith insists his daily approach hasn’t changed.
Preparation, routine, and readiness every fifth day remain his foundation.
Last season, he delivered a 3.81 ERA across 29 starts.
He struck out 145 hitters over 146 innings.
More importantly, he proved durability and poise.
By midsummer, he wasn’t just surviving.
He was thriving.
Smith became the first rookie pitcher in White Sox history to earn an All-Star selection.
That achievement altered perceptions league-wide.
Yet inside camp, he speaks more about consistency than accolades.
His focus entering 2026 centers on refinement.
Throwing offspeed pitches for strikes remains a priority.
Raising his floor, not chasing his ceiling, defines his evolution.
Manager Will Venable sees a different presence this spring.
The pressure of Rule 5 status is gone.
Confidence now replaces uncertainty.
Smith ended 2025 with a statement performance.
He carried a perfect game into the sixth inning of the season finale.
Moments like that hinted at something greater.
Chicago’s rotation still faces questions.
But Smith offers stability few anticipated a year ago.
He turned opportunity into permanence.
Now the challenge shifts from breakthrough to sustainability.
The White Sox quietly strengthened pitching depth with Erick Fedde’s return.
They also cleared roster space by moving Bryan Hudson.
Subtle adjustments surround Smith as expectations rise.
Year Two can be unforgiving for breakout pitchers.
The league adjusts quickly.
Scouting reports deepen.
Pressure intensifies.
Smith understands survival never truly disappears in this game.
But proving he belongs changes everything.
If 2025 built belief, 2026 could build authority.
For Chicago, that possibility carries real weight.
A Rule 5 surprise has become a rotation pillar.
Spring training now begins with anticipation instead of doubt.
Leave a Reply