With Opening Day approaching fast, the Chicago White Sox clubhouse is beginning to thin out.
Only nine spring training games remain before the team heads to Milwaukee to start the regular season. For players on the roster bubble, every inning now carries extra weight — and over the weekend, several storylines emerged that could shape the final roster decisions.
One of the most memorable moments belonged to outfielder Tristan Peters.
Tristan Peters Makes His Case
During Saturday’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Peters delivered a play that immediately turned heads.
Playing left field with two runners on base, Peters tracked a towering fly ball hit by Dalton Rushing. At first glance, it looked destined to clear the fence. Instead, Peters continued drifting back toward the wall, timed his leap perfectly, and reached over the fence to steal what appeared to be a sure home run.
He came down hard on his back after the catch — but the inning was over.
The spectacular defensive play prevented the Dodgers from cutting Chicago’s lead to 6–4 and quickly became one of the most impressive highlights of White Sox spring training.
Peters has already been producing at the plate as well. Through 10 games this spring, the 26-year-old outfielder has collected six hits, seven RBIs, a home run and two walks. Three of those RBIs came during Saturday’s matchup against Los Angeles.
Despite the strong showing, Peters still faces a tough path to the Opening Day roster.
Jarred Kelenic appears to have one of the outfield bench spots locked up, while the organization has also shown strong interest in both Everson Pereira and Brooks Baldwin. Still, Peters’ performance — particularly his highlight-reel defense — has at least forced manager Will Venable and the front office to take a longer look.
And in a crowded roster battle, moments like that can matter.
Mike Vasil Leaves Game Early
Not all the news from the White Sox camp has been positive.
Injuries have begun to surface at a time when teams are trying to finalize their rosters. Catcher Kyle Teel is already dealing with a hamstring strain, while Brooks Baldwin recently reported elbow soreness.
The situation remains uncertain for Baldwin, and while the team has not indicated a serious concern, the possibility of starting the season on the injured list has not been ruled out.
Other pitchers have also been working their way back from health issues. Drew Thorpe has gradually returned to action following last year’s Tommy John surgery, while David Sandlin has yet to appear in a spring game due to ongoing back and elbow problems.
Now another name may have joined the list.
Right-hander Mike Vasil was forced to leave Saturday’s game against the Dodgers because of elbow soreness. The 25-year-old later told reporters he chose not to push through the discomfort, noting that early spring games are not worth risking a more serious injury.
The White Sox plan to run additional tests before determining the next step.
For now, there does not appear to be significant concern. With Opening Day less than two weeks away, the organization is simply being cautious.
That caution makes sense considering how well Vasil has pitched this spring.
Across 11 innings, he has posted a 1.64 ERA while allowing just two earned runs. Although he has walked eight batters, he has also struck out nine, continuing to show flashes of the high-end potential that makes him one of the organization’s most intriguing young arms.
Vasil’s arsenal is particularly impressive. He can touch the upper 90s with his fastball while mixing in a sharp breaking pitch in the low 80s. Command has occasionally been inconsistent, but if he can limit the walks at the major league level, the White Sox believe he could develop into a significant contributor in the rotation.
White Sox Continue Roster Cuts
The team also made a pair of expected roster moves Sunday as spring training progresses.
Catcher Josh Breaux and outfielder Braden Montgomery were both reassigned to minor league camp. While neither decision was surprising, Montgomery remains one of the organization’s most exciting prospects.
Ranked as the White Sox’ top prospect by MLB Pipeline, Montgomery has already impressed during his time in Arizona. In 12 games, he has compiled 15 total bases while posting a strong .348/.348/.652 slash line.
The 22-year-old offers a rare blend of power and athleticism and has the versatility to play multiple positions in the outfield. Many within the organization believe it may not be long before he makes his major league debut.
Breaux’s situation is a bit more complicated.
The White Sox currently have strong depth behind the plate, which makes playing time difficult to secure. However, with Kyle Teel expected to begin the season on the injured list, Breaux could still become an option if injuries arise during the season.
Another notable development involves Billy Carlson.
The White Sox have announced that the 2025 first-round pick — selected No. 10 overall — will open the 2026 season with the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers. Carlson is already ranked as the organization’s No. 5 prospect, and his progress will be closely monitored throughout the year.
Colson Montgomery Starting to Heat Up
Meanwhile, one of the most important players on Chicago’s roster may finally be finding his rhythm.
Shortstop Colson Montgomery struggled early in spring training but has recently begun to turn things around. He has now recorded a hit in five consecutive games, including his second home run of camp during a matchup with the Los Angeles Angels on March 11.
There are still areas to clean up.
Montgomery has struck out 10 times and drawn just one walk across 34 at-bats this spring. But for the White Sox, the bigger priority is seeing him settle into a consistent groove before the regular season begins.
After all, few players are more important to the organization’s future.
During his rookie campaign last year, Montgomery flashed star-level potential. In only 71 games after being called up, he hit 21 home runs and drove in 55 runs, quickly establishing himself as one of the young cornerstones of Chicago’s rebuilding roster.
For a franchise loaded with promising young talent, Montgomery remains the centerpiece.
And as Opening Day approaches, the White Sox are counting on him — perhaps more than anyone — to lead the next phase of the team’s turnaround.
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