The White Sox don’t lack pitching talent.
Nov 9, 2025; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago White Sox pitcher Hagen Smith during the Arizona Fall League Fall Stars Game at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
If anything, they may have more high-upside arms than rotation spots in the near future. With Chicago’s big-league staff still full of question marks, the path to the majors feels shorter than usual for several top prospects.
At least one — maybe two — of these names could be pitching meaningful innings on the South Side before summer.
Here’s who to watch.
Tanner McDougal: Power Stuff, Fast Track Potential
Feb 17, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Chicago White Sox pitcher Tanner McDougal poses for a portrait during photo day at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Tanner McDougal’s development took a major leap in 2025.
Across 28 starts between High-A and Double-A, the right-hander posted a 3.26 ERA over 113.1 innings with 136 strikeouts. The raw stuff has never been in doubt. Now, the results are catching up.
In his first spring outing, McDougal touched 99.6 mph and repeatedly lived above 99. Even after a shaky opening sequence that included a double allowed, he regrouped quickly — striking out a hitter with three straight fastballs before mixing in a sharp sweeper for weak contact.
That composure matters.
Control remains the swing skill. His walk rate has historically run high, and he’ll need to prove he can consistently locate early in counts. But the combination of elite velocity and a swing-and-miss breaking ball gives him a ceiling that plays immediately in the majors.
If he starts strong in the minors again, don’t be surprised if Chicago accelerates the timeline.
Noah Schultz: The Crown Jewel
Feb 26, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Chicago White Sox pitcher Noah Schultz (76) throws the first pitches of his major league career during the fifth inning of a spring training game against the San Diego Padres at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images | Allan Henry-Imagn Images
Noah Schultz isn’t breaking camp with the team. Manager Will Venable has already made that clear.
But the expectation is that he contributes in 2026.
At 6-foot-10, Schultz brings a rare physical profile. His extension alone creates deception, and his slider — graded as a 70 by MLB evaluators — is considered one of the best in the system. His fastball can reach 99 mph, but it’s the slider that separates him.
Health and command are the hurdles.
In 2025, Schultz pitched just 17 games due to injury concerns. His walk rate climbed to 13.8 percent during his time between Double-A and Triple-A. If that number doesn’t come down, the White Sox will hesitate.
But if he’s healthy and throwing strikes in Charlotte, it won’t take long for Chicago to call.
Top-of-the-rotation upside tends to force decisions.
Hagen Smith: Electric, But Raw
Nov 9, 2025; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago White Sox pitcher Hagen Smith during the Arizona Fall League Fall Stars Game at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Hagen Smith mirrors Schultz in many ways — high draft pedigree, fastball-slider foundation, and frontline potential.
The former Arkansas standout struck out 108 batters across 20 Double-A starts in 2025, finishing with a 3.57 ERA. His fastball regularly sits in the high 90s and can touch triple digits.
The problem? Control.
Smith’s walk rate ballooned to 17.6 percent last season, issuing 55 walks in just 75.2 innings. That simply won’t play at the next level. He’s also still searching for a reliable third pitch, with his changeup lagging behind his primary offerings.
Still, pure stuff buys patience.
If Smith tightens his command even marginally, the White Sox may decide his upside outweighs the risk. The organization believes in the arm. It’s just a matter of refinement.
David Sandlin: The Quiet Wild Card
WooSox pitcher David Sandlin points to the sky after as he comes off the field following an outing on Aug. 5, 2025 at Polar Park. | WooSox Photo/Ashley Green / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
David Sandlin may not carry the same prospect buzz, but his path to Chicago could be the quickest.
Despite struggling to a 7.61 ERA in 15 Triple-A appearances last season, the White Sox targeted him aggressively this offseason — even absorbing financial commitments to get him in the deal.
That signals belief.
Sandlin’s fastball velocity has ticked upward in recent years, and unlike some of the other names on this list, he’s shown better strike-throwing consistency. He also features a deeper pitch mix, offering versatility that could translate to either starting or long relief.
General manager Chris Getz has already stated Sandlin could “impact our starting rotation this year.”
That’s not accidental language.
What It All Means
The White Sox rotation is far from locked in.
Veterans are looking to rebound. Young starters are still proving durability. Depth will be tested over 162 games — it always is.
Chicago used 10 different non-opener starters last season. History suggests similar churn ahead.
McDougal brings explosive upside. Schultz offers ace potential. Smith has frontline stuff if he finds the zone. Sandlin may be closer than many realize.
The White Sox may not be a finished product yet.
But the next wave is forming — and it’s coming fast.
The only question now is which arm forces the organization’s hand first.
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