Opening Day is quickly approaching, with the Chicago White Sox set to begin their 2026 season in Milwaukee in just a few weeks. As spring training continues, several storylines surrounding the organization are starting to take shape — from national rankings to injury questions and potential future stars.
Here’s a look at some of the biggest developments around the White Sox as the season draws closer.
White Sox absent from MLB’s Top 100 rankings
ESPN recently released its Top 100 MLB players for the 2026 season, and the list featured players from 26 different organizations.
However, four teams were left off entirely:
- Chicago White Sox
- Colorado Rockies
- Miami Marlins
- St. Louis Cardinals
The absence highlights how far the White Sox still have to go as they rebuild their roster after consecutive seasons with 60 wins or fewer.
Sep 21, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox shortstop Colson Montgomery (12) at bat against the San Diego Padres during a game at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images | Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
Still, the organization believes it has several young players who could soon earn recognition.
One name frequently mentioned as a future star is shortstop Colson Montgomery. The young infielder impressed during his rookie campaign, hitting 21 home runs and driving in 55 runs in just 71 games.
If Montgomery continues progressing, he could soon become the type of player who lands on lists like this — and potentially serve as the franchise cornerstone Chicago has been searching for.
Munetaka Murakami making noise in the WBC
White Sox slugger Munetaka Murakami is currently representing Japan in the World Baseball Classic, playing alongside superstar Shohei Ohtani.
Murakami already has a history of delivering on the international stage. During the 2023 WBC, he hit a dramatic walk-off home run in the semifinal before adding another homer in the championship game against Team USA.
While he hasn’t gone deep yet in the 2026 tournament, Murakami still made a strong impact in Japan’s opening matchup.
In a dominant 13–0 victory over Chinese Taipei, he recorded:
- One hit
- One walk
- One RBI
- Three runs scored
Japan erupted for 10 runs in the second inning, with Murakami playing a key role in the rally.
Overall, Murakami’s spring performance has been encouraging for Chicago. Across his last five games, he has collected six hits and three RBIs, showing strong contact ability heading into the season.
Everson Pereira’s absence raises questions
One of the more puzzling developments this spring involves outfielder Everson Pereira.
The White Sox quietly acquired the former Yankees and Rays prospect during the offseason, and many fans were eager to see what the power hitter could do in Chicago.
However, Pereira was scratched from the lineup before the team’s spring opener due to soreness in his side — and he has yet to appear in a game since.
Updates on his status have been scarce.
Because Pereira is out of minor league options, the situation carries additional urgency. If he cannot secure a roster spot, the White Sox could be forced to expose him to waivers or consider a trade.
Manager Will Venable recently indicated the team hopes Pereira will return to action sometime next week. Even so, with Opening Day approaching quickly, he may have limited time to make a strong impression.
Meanwhile, players such as Brooks Baldwin and Derek Hill have performed well enough this spring to complicate the outfield competition.
Roch Cholowsky continues to dominate in college
Looking ahead to the future, the White Sox may also have their eyes on one of the most exciting players in college baseball.
UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky, widely projected as the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming MLB Draft, has been on an absolute tear this season.
In a recent game against Ohio State, Cholowsky crushed a 428-foot home run with a 111 mph exit velocity, a blast so deep that cameras struggled to track where the ball landed.
The homer pushed his season totals to:
- 8 home runs in just 13 games
- 18 RBIs
Cholowsky’s combination of power, athleticism, and defensive ability has scouts labeling him a five-tool prospect.
Even though the White Sox already have several intriguing infield prospects in their system, passing on a talent of his caliber would be difficult if the opportunity arises in the draft.
A franchise still searching for its next star
The White Sox may not currently have a player ranked among baseball’s elite, but that could change sooner than many expect.
Between young talents like Colson Montgomery, international stars such as Munetaka Murakami, and future prospects like Roch Cholowsky, the organization still has several potential building blocks.
For now, the focus remains on finishing spring training strong and preparing for the season ahead.
But if a few of these players continue developing the way Chicago hopes, the White Sox may not remain absent from baseball’s top-player conversations for long.
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