The 2025 White Sox closed with a rough tally, but a bright youth wave took shape. Colson Montgomery’s 21 homers in 70 games and a 3.3 WAR signal a franchise cornerstone, while Kyle Teel’s June debut added 2.0 WAR and a promising catcher of the present. Rule 5 rookie Shane Smith and steady arms like Davis Martin and Jonathan Cannon supplied hope for 2026. Birmingham Barons’ back-to-back Southern League titles underline the depth, with Quero, Sosa, Baldwin, Elko, Vargas, and Meidroth looming. Michael A. Taylor retires; 2026 looks brighter.

Noah Schultz pushes through growing pains after a sharp jump from Double-A to Triple-A, contending with a knee issue as he refines a new changeup and cutter. White Sox brass stress patience and rehab, aiming to unlock his power and control for a potential 2025 impact as they rebuild. Schultz is focused on competing this offseason and returning to full strength for spring training, with fans hopeful he becomes a rotation cornerstone.

The organization cites the arm talent and frame of the 22-year-old as reasons for optimism, despite a rough 9.37 ERA in five Charlotte starts. With Chris Getz and Brian Bannister backing his development, Chicago looks to a healthier Schultz to help turn the corner in a rebuilding era, while the fanbase remains eager for a taste of the majors.

Meanwhile, fans and fantasy enthusiasts watch a growing roster around him, including veterans and young standouts poised to contribute as the Sox reshape their rotation and lineup for the next chapter.