As the Chicago White Sox finalize their Opening Day lineup, most of the puzzle appears to be in place.
Mar 14, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Chicago White Sox outfielder Luisangel Acuna against the Los Angeles Dodgers during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
But one position still stands out—and not in a comforting way.
Center field remains the biggest question mark on the roster, and with the season just days away, the answer isn’t entirely clear.
On paper, the lineup has taken shape.
Munetaka Murakami is set at first base. Austin Hays will anchor right field. Other areas, while still evolving, were never expected to be fully resolved before the season began. That’s typical for a team leaning on young talent and long-term development.
Mar 2, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Chicago White Sox outfielder Luisangel Acuna 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
But center field feels different.
Right now, Luisangel Acuña is the likely choice to take the job. Acquired from the Mets in the Luis Robert Jr. trade, the 24-year-old brings athleticism, versatility, and speed—traits that are hard to ignore.
Still, there are reasons for caution.
Acuña has appeared in over 100 major league games, but his offensive production hasn’t fully translated yet. His numbers at the plate have been modest, and power has been notably absent. On top of that, most of his experience has come in the infield, not the outfield.
In fact, his time in center field at the big league level is extremely limited.
That raises an obvious question: is he ready to handle one of the most demanding defensive positions on the field, while also proving himself offensively?
The White Sox are betting that he might be.
His recent performances offer some encouragement. A strong showing in winter ball carried into spring training, where he’s been one of the more consistent hitters in camp. He’s making contact, limiting strikeouts, and using his speed to impact the game in multiple ways.
Those are promising signs.
But spring training success doesn’t always translate once the games start to count.
And that’s where the pressure begins.
The White Sox aren’t short on alternatives. Brooks Baldwin has impressed and already understands the system. Veteran Derek Hill brings defensive reliability. And looming in the background is top prospect Braden Montgomery, widely viewed as the long-term answer at the position.
Montgomery won’t start the season in Chicago, but expectations are that he could arrive sooner rather than later.
Which means the window for Acuña could be smaller than it appears.
That’s what makes this situation so important.
Center field isn’t just another position—it’s a spot that demands both defensive range and offensive contribution. If Acuña struggles, the White Sox may not have the same patience they’ve shown in previous seasons.
Especially for a team trying to change its trajectory.
For now, Acuña is expected to get the first opportunity. He’ll likely be out there on Opening Day, tasked with proving he belongs.
But as the season unfolds, no position on the roster may face more scrutiny.
Because while much of Chicago’s lineup feels settled, center field remains wide open—and what happens there could shape the direction of the entire season.
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