Despite noticeable improvement and a stronger roster, the Chicago White Sox are still widely viewed as outsiders in the 2026 playoff picture.
Sep 7, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Framber Valdez (59) pitches against the Texas Rangers during the first inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Players and coaches have voiced optimism, but most evaluators believe the young roster remains at least a year away from true contention.
Competing in the AL Central helps, a division lacking a consistent powerhouse capable of dominating year after year.
Detroit attempted to change that perception by signing Framber Valdez to a massive three-year deal earlier this week.
Pairing Valdez with two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal instantly makes the Tigers the favorites in the division.
On the surface, that move seems like bad news for everyone else, including the White Sox.
But beneath the headline, the deal creates subtle opportunities and long-term questions that Chicago can quietly welcome.
The first silver lining involves Tarik Skubal’s future with Detroit, which suddenly looks far less certain.
Skubal is set to hit free agency after 2026 and is expected to command a record-setting contract.
Arbitration tensions already exist, highlighted by a massive gap in filed salary figures this offseason.
With Valdez earning nearly thirty-eight million annually, matching Skubal’s future demands may be unrealistic.
Even if Detroit keeps Skubal through 2026, the odds of retaining both aces beyond that feel slim.
That opens the door for another AL Central reset sooner than expected.
The second concern centers on Valdez himself and the financial risk Detroit accepted.
At thirty-two, Valdez remains productive and durable, logging heavy innings in recent seasons.
His success relies on movement and ground balls rather than overpowering velocity, suggesting potential longevity.
Still, his tendency to allow hard contact creates risk if his command begins to fade.
A decline at that salary level could sour the deal quickly for Detroit.
Valdez also brings lingering clubhouse questions following a controversial incident late in the 2025 season.
While he denied intentional wrongdoing, doubts around his frustration and leadership persist quietly.
The Tigers undoubtedly improved for 2026, but the long-term cost remains unclear.
For the White Sox, this move changes little about their broader timeline.
Chicago’s focus remains on development, flexibility, and positioning themselves for sustained success.
Detroit may enjoy the spotlight now, but the future of the AL Central is still very much unsettled.
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