The Chicago White Sox are riding high after a stellar 19-win improvement from 2025 to 2026, thanks in large part to the emergence of top prospects like Kyle Teel and Colson Montgomery. But the real underdog story came from their ability to scout and develop Rule 5 picks Shane Smith and Mike Vasil. Now, as they dive into this year’s Rule 5 draft, the question is whether they can strike gold again with their new selections.
The White Sox snagged right-handed pitcher Jedixson Paez from the Boston Red Sox and Alexander Alberto from the Tampa Bay Rays. Both pitchers bring unique skills to the table, but replicating last year's success might not be a walk in the park.
First off, let’s talk about the transformation of the White Sox roster. Compared to Opening Day 2025, this team is a different beast.
Last year, the lineup was a mix of fringe MLB players and seasoned veterans, giving the team the flexibility to nurture Smith and Vasil. Fast forward to today, and the roster is brimming with young talent eager for their shot, which complicates the inclusion of Rule 5 picks.
Now, about Paez and Alberto. Neither has ventured beyond High-A ball, which raises eyebrows about their readiness.
Paez is all about precision-his control is top-notch, though injuries have been a setback. Alberto, on the other hand, is a flamethrower, regularly hitting triple digits on the radar gun, hinting at potential as a late-inning reliever.
In contrast to Smith and Vasil, who had Triple-A experience, Paez and Alberto's limited exposure to higher competition makes their selection intriguing. The early signs from spring training are mixed.
Paez hasn’t yet made a Cactus League appearance, which doesn’t help his case for the Opening Day roster. Alberto has had a couple of outings but hasn’t quite dazzled, giving up two earned runs and five hits over two innings.
While the White Sox have enjoyed recent Rule 5 success, it’s important to remember that these picks often don’t make a significant impact right away. Paez and Alberto have a tight window to prove they belong, and the odds are challenging.
The excitement surrounding Smith and Vasil last season was palpable, but White Sox fans might want to keep their expectations in check this time around. The journey for Paez and Alberto is just beginning, and it’s a steep climb from here.