With Opening Day just over two weeks away, the Chicago White Sox have officially begun trimming their spring training roster.
Following a 6–0 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday, the organization announced its first round of cuts, sending a group of players to minor league camp as the team begins shaping its Opening Day roster.
As expected, the initial moves focused heavily on the pitching staff, a common strategy early in camp when teams start narrowing down bullpen and rotation options.
First wave of roster cuts
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
The White Sox reassigned several pitchers to minor league camp, including:
- Mason Adams
- Adisyn Coffey
- Tyler Davis
- Zach Franklin
- Jairo Iriarte
- Shane Murphy
On the position player side, the team also reassigned:
- Tim Elko (1B)
- Jacob Gonzalez (INF)
- Michael Turner (C)
Additionally, pitcher Duncan Davitt was assigned to Triple-A Charlotte.
None of the early moves came as a major surprise.
Elko, 27, appeared in 23 games for Chicago last season, but his performance didn’t generate enough momentum to seriously challenge for a roster spot in 2026. Meanwhile, prospects like Murphy and Gonzalez still rank among the organization’s Top 30 prospects, but neither was considered likely to reach the majors this season.
One name worth watching: Zach Franklin
Among the pitchers in this group, Zach Franklin could emerge as the most realistic big-league contributor in the near future.
Franklin finished the 2025 season at Triple-A Charlotte and delivered solid results. Across Double-A and Triple-A, the right-hander posted a 2.40 ERA, showing flashes of the type of arm that could eventually fit into a late-inning bullpen role.
While he begins the year in the minors, Franklin could quickly become a call-up candidate if the White Sox need bullpen help during the season.
Bigger names headline second round of cuts
Saturday’s roster moves included two far more recognizable prospects.
The White Sox optioned Tanner McDougal to Triple-A and reassigned Noah Schultz to minor league camp, removing two of the most exciting young pitchers in the organization from big league camp.
Both pitchers rank inside the franchise’s Top 6 prospects, and each is viewed as a potential future rotation piece.
However, neither player entered camp with realistic expectations of making the Opening Day roster.
The organization has been careful with their development, especially after inconsistent stretches during the 2025 season.
Tanner McDougal showing promising progress
Among the two, Tanner McDougal appears slightly closer to the major leagues.
The right-hander pairs a high-velocity fastball with a sharp curveball that has generated plenty of swings and misses throughout his minor league career.
During his time in spring training games, McDougal logged eight innings, allowing seven hits and two runs while striking out seven batters. The overall performance showed encouraging progress, though improving his control remains a key developmental goal.
If he sharpens his command at Triple-A Charlotte, McDougal could position himself for a major league debut later this season.
Noah Schultz still possesses enormous upside
While McDougal may be closer to the majors, Noah Schultz arguably has the highest ceiling of any pitching prospect in the system.
The 6-foot-10 left-hander is one of the most physically imposing pitchers in the minors, using his size to create a difficult angle for hitters. His arsenal features a fastball that approaches triple-digit velocity and a highly rated slider that scouts believe could become a dominant out pitch.
Health has been the biggest hurdle for Schultz so far in his development. Injuries played a role in a career-high walk rate during the 2025 season, and the organization has taken a cautious approach with his workload.
This spring, Schultz threw 4.1 innings, striking out five batters while showing flashes of his elite potential.
The White Sox will likely focus on building consistency in Triple-A Charlotte before considering a major league promotion.
More cuts still coming
After the latest roster moves, the White Sox now have 55 players remaining in big league camp.
With Opening Day approaching quickly, additional cuts will arrive in waves over the next two weeks as the team finalizes its roster.
Even though prospects like McDougal and Schultz are heading back to the minors for now, their futures remain firmly tied to the organization’s long-term plans.
For White Sox fans, the message is clear: the next generation of pitching talent may not be in Chicago yet—but it’s getting closer.
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