The Chicago White Sox, renowned for their 2005 World Series triumph, recently mourned the loss of their closer Bobby Jenks at the age of 44 due to stage 4 adenocarcinoma, a severe form of stomach cancer. A key figure in the franchise's history, Jenks played a pivotal role in the White Sox's championship run, marking the team's first title in 88 years by achieving saves at both the beginning and end of the Series against the Houston Astros.

Manager Ozzie Guillen and other 2005 team legends paid tribute to Jenks, whose impact on the mound was profound, as he once tied an MLB record by retiring 41 consecutive batters. The White Sox honored his memory with a heartfelt video tribute, reflecting on the legacy of one of the game’s most formidable closers.

Shane Smith's journey from Rule 5 draft pick to an All-Star is a remarkable tale in baseball. The White Sox right-hander earned his first All-Star nod for the American League, set to take place on July 15 in Atlanta, making him the team's sole representative. Despite a season record of 3-7 with a 4.20 ERA across 17 starts, Smith's growth has been impressive, including standout performances during spring training where he notably struck out Shohei Ohtani twice in one game.

Manager Will Venable expressed pride in Smith's achievements, highlighting how this rookie pitcher has evolved from fighting for a roster spot to making an All-Star team. His early season success was marked by a string of quality outings, and while recent performances have seen some struggles, Smith remains optimistic about his development. He reflects on his journey, emphasizing gratitude for the opportunity and the support from the White Sox organization.

Hunter Brown has made significant strides this season, now projected as a top-tier starting pitcher with an impressive 1.82 ERA and a 32.1% strikeout rate. His improved performance is attributed to enhanced pitch quality and increased velocity on his fastball. Cristopher Sanchez of the Phillies also sees his stock rise as he showcases his skills as a frontline starter, notably improving his strikeout rate to 26.2% while maintaining elite control. Meanwhile, Jacob Misiorowski, despite mixed projections across different systems, shows promise with a dominant strikeout rate and elite velocity, while Quinn Priester's success stems from effective command of his sinker and groundball rate.

On a different note, Roki Sasaki's projections have dipped significantly due to poor performance in the MLB, raising concerns about his transition from overseas leagues. Sean Burke and Jeffrey Springs also face challenges, with each struggling to maintain their previous levels of effectiveness, leading to lowered expectations for the remainder of the season.

Shane Smith has quickly made a name for himself in the MLB, showcasing his talent with remarkable performances that led to his selection as an All-Star. The 25-year-old right-handed pitcher, part of the Chicago White Sox, made headlines after striking out notable players like Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman during a spring training game. Smith became the first rookie All-Star for the White Sox since Jose Abreu in 2014 and the first rookie pitcher ever to achieve this feat after being selected in the Rule 5 Draft.

Despite facing challenges during the season, including a recent rough outing where he allowed five runs in 4⅓ innings, Smith's earlier performance had him ranking fifth among all MLB rookies with a 4.20 ERA and an impressive 76 strikeouts over 81⅔ innings pitched. His story reflects a remarkable journey from minor leagues to an All-Star spot, highlighting his potential as a long-term asset for the rebuilding White Sox.

The waiver wire is heating up as the 2025 MLB season rolls into Week 15. With the All-Star break approaching, the need for savvy pickups is paramount, especially with injuries affecting key players. Colson Montgomery has made an impressive start with the Chicago White Sox, going 3-for-7 with a triple and an RBI since his promotion. Meanwhile, Addison Barger of the Toronto Blue Jays is on fire, boasting a .346 average with three home runs over the last week. Key injuries to monitor include Gleyber Torres of the Detroit Tigers, who is day-to-day with a neck issue, and players like Grant Taylor and Eury Perez are also hot commodities among waiver seekers.