The Chicago White Sox entered spring training with most of their 2026 Opening Day roster already taking shape.
Unlike some teams dealing with wide-open competitions, Chicago had relatively few roster spots truly up for grabs. Still, spring training always creates opportunities for players who arrive in camp looking to prove they belong.
This year has been no exception.
Several non-roster invitees and prospects were brought into big league camp hoping to turn a strong March into a roster opportunity. And while the odds weren’t particularly high for many of them, a few players have made enough noise to force the organization to take a closer look.
Two in particular have emerged as unexpected candidates to break camp with the team.
Lamonte Wade Jr. — IF/OF
When the White Sox signed Lamonte Wade Jr. to a minor league deal in January, the move looked like a standard depth addition.
But the veteran has quickly made his presence felt during Cactus League play.
Wade has built a reputation throughout his career for strong on-base ability and disciplined at-bats, and those strengths have been on display early this spring. Through seven games, he has posted an eye-catching .969 OPS.
The performance is a reminder of the offensive upside Wade has shown before. As recently as 2024, he produced a 120 OPS+, demonstrating his ability to be a productive hitter at the major league level.
Defensively, the fit with Chicago is a bit complicated. Wade has experience at both corner outfield spots and first base, but his defensive metrics in the outfield have never been particularly strong.
So far this spring, the White Sox have primarily used him at first base and designated hitter.
That creates an interesting roster puzzle.
Munetaka Murakami is expected to handle most of the duties at first base, while Lenyn Sosa and Curtis Mead can also fill in there if needed. Both of those infielders are out of minor league options, making roster decisions even more complicated.
Even so, Wade’s offensive profile could give him an edge. A veteran bench bat with strong plate discipline would add a valuable dimension to Chicago’s lineup, particularly for a young team still developing its identity.
If he continues to hit, it may become difficult for the White Sox to leave him off the roster.
Brandon Eisert — LHP
Brandon Eisert’s path to the Opening Day roster has been less straightforward.
The left-hander was a regular member of Chicago’s bullpen during the 2025 season, but he arrived in camp without a guaranteed spot this year after an inconsistent campaign.
To increase competition, the White Sox added several left-handed pitchers this offseason, including Sean Newcomb, Chris Murphy, and Ryan Borucki.
Newcomb and Murphy have been stretched out as potential rotation options, leaving Eisert, Borucki, and Tyler Gilbert competing for the short-inning bullpen roles.
So far, Eisert has made a strong case for himself.
Across three spring appearances, he has yet to allow a run. He has surrendered only one hit while striking out six batters, showing sharp command and the ability to miss bats.
Most of those innings have come later in games against minor league hitters, but the results still stand out.
Initially, Eisert seemed like a likely candidate to begin the year at Triple-A because he still has minor league options remaining. However, his early success may be forcing the White Sox to reconsider that plan.
If he continues to pitch effectively, Eisert could earn a more prominent role in the bullpen than many expected when camp began.
Roster Decisions Are Coming Soon
Spring training often creates difficult choices for front offices.
As March moves along, teams must begin narrowing their rosters while balancing performance, experience, and long-term development plans.
The White Sox will soon face those decisions.
Several players have impressed in early action, but Wade and Eisert have done enough to put themselves firmly in the conversation. For a team hoping to build momentum after last year’s progress, unexpected contributors could prove just as valuable as the players already penciled into the lineup.
And if their spring performances continue, these two under-the-radar names might find themselves breaking camp in Chicago after all.
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