It may only be Spring Training, but the Chicago White Sox sent a loud message Sunday afternoon.
Facing their crosstown rival in Cactus League action, the White Sox didn’t just beat the Cubs 5–1 — they did it with a jaw-dropping display of power, crushing four home runs in the first three innings.
For a team that finished near the bottom of MLB in home runs and RBIs last season, this kind of early offensive burst isn’t just exciting.
It’s symbolic.
Let’s break down what happened — and why it matters.
âš¾ Edgar Quero Ignites the White Sox Power Show
The home run barrage started early.
Edgar Quero, batting second, launched a first-inning blast off Cubs starter Shota Imanaga.
After laying off an inside four-seamer, Quero attacked a high fastball that lacked life — and sent it 390 feet into left-center field.
Why Quero’s Power Is a Big Deal
Quero isn’t typically known for being a slugger.
Compared to fellow catching prospect Kyle Teel, he has long been viewed as:
- A contact-oriented hitter
- A gap-to-gap bat
- More disciplined than explosive
But this spring? Different story.
Through early Cactus League action:
- 9 RBIs
- Multiple hard-hit balls
- Two doubles
- Now a home run
For a 22-year-old Cuban catcher, that kind of offensive development is extremely encouraging.
If he adds consistent power to his profile, the White Sox may have a long-term offensive anchor behind the plate.
💣 Braden Montgomery Continues the Hype
After Alex Bregman briefly tied the game for the Cubs with a homer off Anthony Kay, the Sox responded immediately.
Braden Montgomery, one of Chicago’s top prospects, stepped in and delivered.
He crushed an 82.7 mph sweeper over the left-field wall:
- Launch angle: 38 degrees
- Exit velocity: 107.7 mph
- Distance: 375 feet
The ball was gone the moment it left the bat.
Montgomery’s Spring Numbers Are Turning Heads
So far in Arizona:
- 5 hits in 14 at-bats
- Only 3 strikeouts
- 2 triples
- 2 home runs
That’s impact production.
For a White Sox front office reportedly considering a near-term call-up, this performance only strengthens the argument.
Is Montgomery forcing the organization’s hand?
It’s starting to look that way.
🚀 Austin Hays Adds Veteran Power
The fireworks didn’t stop with the kids.
Newly signed veteran Austin Hays stepped up in the third inning and delivered a missile.
His line-drive homer traveled:
- 425 feet
- Dead center field
Half of Hays’ four spring hits have now left the yard.
That’s instant impact from a veteran addition.
Why Hays’ Power Matters
The White Sox desperately needed:
- Proven offensive consistency
- Outfield production
- Veteran stability
Hays provides all three.
If he can maintain power production during the regular season, he could help balance a lineup heavily dependent on youth.
🔥 Lenyn Sosa Makes It Four
After Imanaga exited, Triple-A righty Zane Mills entered.
That didn’t slow Chicago down.
Lenyn Sosa launched a 414-foot home run with a 103.5 mph exit velocity.
Four homers.
Three innings.
Statement made.
Breaking Down the White Sox Power Explosion
Let’s look at the bigger trend.
Across 11 Spring Training games:
- 11 different players have homered
- Sam Antonacci: 2 HR
- Tanner Murray: 2 HR
- Austin Hays: 2 HR
That’s lineup-wide production.
Last season, the White Sox finished:
- Bottom eight in MLB in home runs
- Bottom four in RBIs
This early power surge addresses a glaring weakness.
What’s Going Wrong for Shota Imanaga?
On the Cubs’ side, Shota Imanaga continues to struggle with home runs allowed.
A pitcher reliant on:
- Four-seam fastball usage
- Vertical deception
- Command precision
Imanaga hasn’t consistently generated enough movement or velocity to suppress long balls since early last season.
And the White Sox capitalized.
Is This White Sox Power for Real?
Let’s be cautious.
Spring Training pitching:
- Isn’t always top-tier
- Features experimentation
- Often includes minor league arms
But exit velocity doesn’t lie.
Launch angles don’t lie.
Hard contact trends matter.
And Chicago’s hitters are consistently barreling baseballs.
Why This Power Surge Matters for 2026
If the White Sox are serious about taking a step forward this season, offensive power must improve.
Here’s what four homers in three innings suggest:
✅ Young players are developing strength
✅ Veterans are contributing early
✅ Prospects are adjusting quickly
✅ The lineup has more depth
This doesn’t guarantee a breakout season.
But it does suggest potential.
Can the White Sox Sustain This Momentum?
The big question now:
Can this power translate into regular season production?
If Chicago can:
- Hit 20–30 more home runs than last year
- Improve RBI totals
- Maintain balanced lineup contributions
They could climb significantly in the standings.
And momentum matters — even in March.
Final Thoughts: A Power Shift on the South Side?
Four homers in three innings against the Cubs isn’t just a fun Spring Training headline.
It’s a glimpse of what might be possible.
With Edgar Quero emerging, Braden Montgomery accelerating, Austin Hays contributing, and Lenyn Sosa flashing power, the White Sox look different.
More explosive.
More confident.
More dangerous.
The question now is simple:
âš¾ Are the White Sox finally becoming a legitimate power team?
What do you think — is this just spring noise, or the beginning of something real on the South Side?
Drop your thoughts below 👇🔥
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