Bold take: the Chicago White Sox are laying the groundwork for a competitive season by sharpening habits, sharpening bodies, and testing rotation depth right from spring camp. But here’s where it gets controversial: not every prospect or veteran fits the same path, and the path to the rotation may surprise more than a few fans. Let’s break down three key takeaways from Sox camp, with plain explanations and practical context for newcomers.
Three takeaways from White Sox camp
- Rotation battles deepen as Sean Newcomb shows he can mix and attack the zone The Sox are gradually stretching out a broad group of pitchers to gauge who can handle a full starter’s workload. In Tuesday’s simulated real-game scenario at Camelback Ranch, Sean Newcomb started and allowed two runs on five hits with one strikeout and one walk over three innings. He noted that he was able to mix pitches and attack the strike zone more effectively on this appearance, which is encouraging for a pitcher who has both starting and relief experience.
Other pitchers in the extended spring training rotation pool include Shane Smith, Anthony Kay, Davis Martin, Chris Murphy, Mike Vasil, Sean Burke, Jonathan Cannon, and Erick Fedde. The team is evaluating who can consistently give them length and quality innings when the season begins.
Newcomb signed a one-year deal in the offseason and has a background in both starting and relieving. His focus isn’t fixed on a specific role; rather, it’s about getting guys out and producing zeroes on the scoreboard. He emphasized his comfort with pitching toward high pitch counts if needed, which could be valuable for the rotation depth if the Spring Training evaluation leads to a longer leash for him or others.
- Luisangel Acuña stays sharp after a brief layoff and shows versatility in center field Luisangel Acuña, who briefly missed time due to a cut above his left eyebrow from a slide into second base, stayed productive during his return. He explained through an interpreter that he kept his focus even when not playing, continuing workouts and taking batting practice with clear purpose. His efforts paid off: in a Monday game against the San Francisco Giants, Acuña collected two hits, including a solo home run, and drove in two runs.
Acuña has spent substantial time in center field this spring and could be a viable option to cover that role—an area the Sox need to keep flexible after trading away Luis Robert Jr. He expressed confidence in his defense and his comfort playing center field, which helps diversify the team’s outfield options.
There is a caveat on the injury front, though: reliever Wikelman González exited Tuesday’s game with tightness in his lower back and was listed as day to day. Injuries are a normal part of camp, but how the Sox manage such issues can impact their early-season plans.
- Prospects continue to impress, signaling a healthy pipeline for the future Outfield prospect Braden Montgomery kept the buzz going after a Sunday two-hit performance that included a home run in a game against the Cubs. He followed that with a single on Monday against the Giants, bringing his spring total to 6-for-15 (.400). While Montgomery is likely to begin the season in the minors after last year reaching Double A, his performance is a reminder that the Sox are cultivating strong positional depth that could impact the big club later in the year.
When asked about his long-term goals, Montgomery didn’t shy away from lofty ambitions. He said his aim is to reach the Hall of Fame, citing Derek Jeter as an inspiration. That kind of mindset is exactly what manager Will Venable called out when praising Montgomery’s “awesome” attitude and dedication. It signals a player with both talent and a growth-oriented mindset.
Infielder Sam Antonacci is another notable spring performer, posting a .308 batting average with four hits in 13 at-bats and two home runs, tying for the team lead. Venable highlighted Antonacci’s high-energy, single-minded approach and suggested he represents a strong example for teammates. Antonacci is currently with Team Italy for the World Baseball Classic, but the White Sox view him as someone who could contribute later in the season, whether opening day or after.
Putting the pieces together
- The Sox are deliberately layering in tactical elements alongside physical development: baserunning control, in-game fielding, and situational baseball (like first-and-third scenarios) are already appearing in practices and scrimmages.
- Rotation depth remains a storyline, with several arms vying for starts and the ability to eat innings when needed. Newcomb’s progress stands as a barometer for how the rest of the group might adapt.
- The pipeline of young players is moving forward, with Montgomery and Antonacci illustrating the franchise’s ability to blend immediate big-league readiness with long-term development.
Discussion prompts
- Do you think teams should prioritize ceiling (high upside) or floor (safe, proven performers) when building a rotation depth chart in spring? Why?
- If Acuña can handle center field and hit, should the Sox consider him as a regular option in center or keep him in a more flexible role? What tradeoff would you accept to maximize the lineup flexibility?
- Given the intense competition for a few rotation spots, how should teams balance development time with early-season pressure to win? Would you rather see more high-floor players or ones with potential but uncertain paths?
If you’d like, I can tailor this rewrite to a specific length, add more examples from spring outings, or adjust the tone for a particular publication or audience.
