As the calendar turns toward 2026, the Chicago White Sox are staring down a familiar challenge: how to build a competitive roster without diving headfirst into the deep end of free agency. The front office may still make a few moves-some free agent signings, a trade or two, and a Rule 5 Draft pick-but the real potential for growth lies in the development of their young core.
And if there’s one name that jumps off the page in that conversation, it’s Chase Meidroth.
According to FanGraphs’ Steamer projections, Meidroth is poised to be the most valuable player on the White Sox roster next season in terms of WAR. They’re projecting a 2.6 WAR season over 110 games, with a .261/.356/.360 slash line, nine home runs, 40 RBIs, and 12 stolen bases. That’s a solid leap forward from his 2025 campaign-and it’s the kind of progression that could shift the trajectory of this rebuild.
Let’s break that down a bit. In 2025, Meidroth played 122 games and posted a 1.2 WAR, per Baseball Reference.
He hit .253 with a .329 OBP, chipped in five home runs, 23 RBIs, and swiped 14 bags. Solid numbers for a rookie, but not eye-popping.
The projection for 2026 isn’t just a slight uptick-it’s a belief that Meidroth is ready to take a real step forward.
The jump in power is particularly interesting. FanGraphs sees him nearly doubling his home run total and boosting his slugging percentage, which would be a game-changer for a player expected to hit near the top of the order. If Meidroth can bring that kind of pop to the leadoff spot, it gives the White Sox a dynamic table-setter who can also do damage.
What’s fueling that optimism? It likely comes down to the underlying data.
According to Baseball Savant, Meidroth ranked in the 99th percentile in squared-up percentage last season-essentially, he was barreling up the ball as well as anyone in baseball. He also graded out in the 84th percentile in chase rate, 96th in whiff rate, and 88th in strikeout rate.
That’s elite plate discipline and bat control, especially for a young player still adjusting to big-league pitching.
In other words, the foundation is there. Meidroth is already doing the hard stuff-making quality contact, laying off bad pitches, and putting the ball in play. If the power comes along as projected, we’re looking at a player who could quietly become one of the better second basemen in the American League.
And that’s exactly the kind of internal development the White Sox are banking on. With the front office showing signs of restraint in the free agent market, this rebuild isn’t going to be fueled by splashy signings. It’s going to be driven by players like Meidroth taking the next step.
If he does, and others follow suit, the White Sox could suddenly find themselves with one of the most intriguing young infields in the league. It’s a big “if,” sure-but it’s also the kind of upside that makes this team worth keeping an eye on in 2026.