White Sox Spring Training Kicks Off with Key Updates on Pitching Prospects, Roles, and Roster Battles
Spring has arrived in Arizona, and with it, a fresh start for the Chicago White Sox. Pitchers and catchers have officially reported to camp, and while position players aren’t due until later this weekend, many have already arrived, eager to get a jump on 2026.
With new manager Will Venable and GM Chris Getz setting the tone, the early days of camp have already delivered some key storylines - from prospect updates to bullpen roles and roster battles to watch. Let’s break down what’s happening on the ground in Glendale.
Schultz and Smith: Not Breaking Camp, But Still in the 2026 Plans
Two of the organization’s most promising arms - lefties Noah Schultz and Hagen Smith - won’t be heading north with the big-league club out of camp, and that’s by design. Will Venable made it clear during an appearance on the Foul Territory podcast that while the White Sox have big plans for both pitchers, Opening Day won’t be part of them.
“No. Neither of them are going to break with our team,” Venable said.
“We’ve been direct with those guys about that... But at the same time, they are going to be guys that help us this year.”
That’s a measured approach for two pitchers coming off seasons they’d rather forget. Schultz was limited by a knee injury in 2025, while Smith struggled to meet his own high standards. Both addressed the media this week, and their comments reflect a hunger to bounce back.
“I hold myself to a high standard,” Smith said. “I didn’t meet that last year. This year, I hope I will.”
As for Schultz, the physical setbacks appear to be behind him.
“It feels great. Having no issues.
It’s been great. Did PT through the offseason and in a good spot and it’s not an issue.”
If both can stay healthy and show progress early, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them in Chicago before the All-Star break.
Seranthony Domínguez Locked In as Closer
The White Sox bullpen picture is starting to come into focus, and it begins at the back end. Venable confirmed what many expected: Seranthony Domínguez will be the team’s closer.
“Seranthony is our closer,” Venable said. “We signed him to close games for us, so we expect him to be shutting things down in the 9th inning.”
Domínguez brings the most closing experience to the table and is being paid like a high-leverage arm - $20 million over two years. He’ll anchor a bullpen that also features arms like Grant Taylor, Sean Newcomb, Jordan Hicks, and Jordan Leasure. There’s depth here, and if Domínguez can return to form, the White Sox could have a legitimate late-inning unit.
Rotation Battle Brewing: Erick Fedde in the Mix
On the starting pitching side, the White Sox are still sorting things out, but one name that’s firmly in the mix is Erick Fedde. After spending time overseas refining his craft, Fedde is back in MLB and looking to lock down a rotation spot.
“There’s gonna be things that will come to life as we get through this Spring Training and figure things out,” Venable said. “But he is certainly in the mix and someone we anticipate being in the rotation.”
Fedde will likely join Shane Smith, Davis Martin, and Anthony Kay in the rotation, while the fifth spot is still up for grabs. 2025 Opening Day starter Sean Burke figures to be a strong candidate, but others are in the hunt. This is one of the more intriguing battles to watch as camp unfolds.
Murakami’s Defensive Flexibility Adds Options
One of the more exciting additions to the White Sox roster this offseason is Munetaka Murakami, and while the plan is for him to play first base regularly, his defensive versatility is a bonus the team doesn’t plan to ignore.
“We want to focus on first base,” Venable said. “But obviously he’s somebody that’s played on the other side of the diamond and we want to make sure that that’s still a club in his bag.”
Murakami’s experience at third base in Japan gives the White Sox some flexibility, especially with an infield that includes Nick Meidroth, Colson Montgomery, and Jordan Vargas. Both Vargas and Murakami have the ability to shift between the corners, which could help the team mix and match lineups or cover for injuries throughout the season.
Liam Hendriks Signs with Twins, Eyes Comeback
Former White Sox closer and fan favorite Liam Hendriks is getting another shot, signing a minor league deal with the Minnesota Twins. Hendriks, 37, is looking to re-establish himself after a rough two-year stretch that included a cancer battle and Tommy John surgery. He’s appeared in just 14 games since 2024, but if healthy, he still has the stuff and the fire to be a late-inning option.
While it’s unclear whether he’ll break camp with the Twins, Hendriks will get a chance to show what he’s got left in the tank. For White Sox fans, it’s hard not to root for him - even in a rival’s uniform.
White Sox Announce Spring Broadcast Schedule
For fans eager to catch a glimpse of the 2026 squad, the White Sox have rolled out their Cactus League broadcast schedule. Nine games will air on CHSN, starting with the February 21 matchup against the Athletics.
Additionally, six games will be broadcast on ESPN Chicago radio, including the Cactus League opener against the Cubs next Friday. Three of those radio games will also be streamed on WhiteSox.com.
And while not every game will be available through the team’s own channels, fans may still be able to watch or listen via opposing teams’ broadcasts - so it’s worth keeping an eye on those schedules as well.
Looking Ahead
The White Sox enter 2026 with a mix of young talent, new faces, and plenty of questions to answer. The early days of camp have already given us a clearer picture of the team’s direction - from how they’ll handle their top pitching prospects, to bullpen roles, to the flexibility they’ll have around the infield.
With Spring Training heating up, the real evaluations begin now. Stay tuned.