The Chicago White Sox are just two weeks away from Opening Day in Milwaukee, and the mood around camp has been noticeably optimistic.
Players and coaches alike believe the team’s strong second half in 2025 was a sign of real progress rather than a fluke. While spring training statistics should always be taken with a grain of salt, several players have backed up that optimism with impressive performances so far.
At the same time, a few key contributors have struggled during Cactus League play, raising questions heading into the regular season.
Here’s a look at three White Sox players who have impressed this spring — and two who have disappointed.
Austin Hays – Impressed
One of the White Sox’s biggest offseason additions, Austin Hays has looked every bit like the impact bat the team hoped for.
When healthy, Hays has proven he can be an above-average hitter, highlighted by his All-Star season with the Baltimore Orioles in 2023. Injuries have slowed him over the past two years, but he still produced solid numbers during his stint with Cincinnati last season.
So far this spring, Hays has looked fully locked in.
Through 11 Cactus League games, he has gone 12-for-33 with three home runs and a 1.174 OPS. His swing has looked sharp, and he’s consistently driven the ball with authority.
Hays may not replicate his All-Star campaign, but if he stays healthy, he could provide valuable middle-of-the-order production and veteran stability for Chicago’s lineup in 2026.
Shane Smith – Disappointed
Despite being named the White Sox’s Opening Day starter, Shane Smith has had an uneven spring.
Smith opened camp with a promising outing but struggled badly in his most recent appearance. Command issues have plagued him throughout the spring, as he’s had difficulty consistently finding the strike zone and finishing hitters.
Those mistakes have been costly in Arizona’s hitter-friendly environment.
Currently, Smith owns a 9.82 ERA in spring training, along with nearly one walk per inning pitched.
Fortunately for the White Sox, Smith has time to get things back on track. He’s scheduled for two more spring starts before Opening Day, giving him a chance to sharpen his command before the games start counting.
And if he performs well once the regular season begins, his rough spring will quickly be forgotten.
Luisangel Acuña – Impressed
One of the most intriguing players in White Sox camp has been Luisangel Acuña, the key piece acquired in the offseason trade that sent Luis Robert Jr. elsewhere.
Acuña entered 2026 with something to prove after struggling during his 2025 MLB debut, but early signs suggest improvement.
Despite missing some time after suffering a facial cut that required stitches, Acuña has impressed with both his improved batted-ball profile and defensive versatility.
The former top-100 prospect offers exciting tools — speed, defensive flexibility, and flashes of power — which could eventually make him a top-of-the-order threat.
White Sox GM Chris Getz has repeatedly emphasized Acuña’s talent and upside. If the young infielder can translate his strong spring into regular-season production, it could go a long way toward softening the blow of trading away Robert.
Sean Burke – Disappointed
Another pitcher with a mixed spring has been Sean Burke, last year’s Opening Day starter.
Burke showed flashes of excellent stuff during the 2025 season but struggled with inconsistency, particularly in the early innings of games.
The White Sox hoped he would iron out those issues during the offseason. While his first two spring appearances were promising — including one relief outing — his most recent start was rough.
Burke allowed four earned runs and was hit hard by the Cleveland Guardians, raising concerns about whether those early-inning struggles remain unresolved.
Chicago still appears likely to give Burke the final spot in the rotation, but he will need to show better consistency once the season begins if he wants to secure his place in the team’s long-term plans.
Anthony Kay – Impressed
Perhaps the biggest wildcard in the White Sox rotation entering camp was Anthony Kay.
After struggling during his earlier MLB stint, the left-hander reinvented himself while pitching in Japan, where he refined his pitch mix and delivered dominant results.
The White Sox took notice and signed him to a two-year contract, hoping his improved arsenal would translate back to the majors.
So far, the results have been extremely encouraging.
Kay’s fastball has sat around 95 mph and touched 97, and he has effectively mixed his secondary pitches to generate soft contact and weak swings.
Through four spring starts, he has posted a 2.31 ERA, making a strong case to remain in the rotation when the season begins.
If Kay carries this performance into the regular season, he could not only stabilize the rotation but also become a valuable trade asset at the deadline if Chicago decides to sell.
A spring full of encouraging signs
With Opening Day approaching, the White Sox have seen a mix of encouraging performances and areas of concern.
Players like Austin Hays, Luisangel Acuña, and Anthony Kay have given fans reasons to be excited about the team’s potential heading into 2026.
Meanwhile, Shane Smith and Sean Burke will be looking to regain momentum before the regular season begins.
Spring training rarely tells the full story, but it’s clear the White Sox will enter the season with several intriguing storylines already taking shape.
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