A new season brings a fresh start — but not everyone enters it comfortably.
Mar 2, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Chicago White Sox third baseman Miguel Vargas against the San Francisco Giants during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
For the Chicago White Sox, expectations are rising in 2026 thanks to an influx of young talent and a more competitive roster. But with that optimism comes pressure, and a few players are heading into Opening Day with very little margin for error.
If they don’t perform early, their roles — and possibly their futures — could be in jeopardy.
Here are three players who need a strong start more than anyone else.
🔴 Miguel Vargas — Prove the Breakout Is Real
Miguel Vargas’ 2025 season told two completely different stories.
Early on, it was a disaster. Through April 22, Vargas was hitting just .139 with a .438 OPS, looking overmatched at the plate. But a subtle swing adjustment changed everything.
By lowering his hands and getting through the zone quicker, Vargas unlocked his offensive potential. From late April through the end of the season, he hit .252/.331/.438 with 16 home runs — a massive turnaround.
Now, the question is simple: which version is real?
With Munetaka Murakami in the lineup and a full year of positional stability, Vargas has every opportunity to establish himself as the White Sox’s long-term third baseman. His solid spring (.770 OPS) is encouraging, but it’s the first month that will matter most.
If he comes out hot, a breakout could be coming. If not, doubts will creep back in quickly.
🔴 Erick Fedde — Hold Off the Next Wave
Erick Fedde is back in Chicago, but his spot in the rotation is far from secure.
After a career year in 2024, Fedde regressed significantly in 2025, bouncing between three teams and eventually landing in the bullpen. The White Sox are giving him another shot as a starter — but it may be his last.
Waiting behind him is a wave of elite pitching prospects: Noah Schultz, Hagen Smith, and Tanner McDougal. All are expected to reach the majors in 2026.
That means Fedde isn’t just pitching for results — he’s pitching to keep his job.
If he struggles early, the White Sox won’t hesitate to turn to their future. To stick around, he needs to look like the pitcher he was in 2024, not the one from last season.
🔴 Chase Meidroth — Keep the Job Before It’s Gone
Chase Meidroth has already shown flashes of what he can be.
Acquired in the Garrett Crochet trade, he impressed with his plate discipline and on-base ability, hinting at top-of-the-order potential. But consistency has been an issue — and now, the competition is real.
Enter Sam Antonacci.
After a breakout 2025 and a strong showing in the World Baseball Classic, Antonacci is knocking on the door. He’s expected to start the year in Triple-A, but it may not be for long.
And when he arrives, second base could be his.
Meidroth will get the first opportunity to claim the role, but his grip on it is fragile. A slow start could open the door for Antonacci sooner than expected.
⚾ The Bottom Line
The White Sox are no longer a team just hoping for development — they’re expecting results.
That shift changes everything.
For Vargas, Fedde, and Meidroth, the message is clear: perform now, or risk being replaced. In a season full of opportunity, the margin for error has never been smaller.
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