White Sox Opening Day Roster Prediction at the Start of Spring Training

We’ve been getting Chicago White Sox spring training content for the last week thanks to a handful of players who reported early to Camelback Ranch.

But Sunday, February 15 marks the official reporting date for the full roster — not just pitchers and catchers.

And on Friday, February 20, the White Sox will face the Chicago Cubs in their Cactus League opener and officially begin the ramp-up toward the regular season.

So what better time than now to offer an early prediction of the 26-man Opening Day roster?

There will inevitably be surprise stories throughout the spring. There’s no guarantee everyone makes it to Opening Day healthy, and every year one or two players force their way onto the roster with an unexpected performance.

But as of now — before the first Cactus League pitch has been thrown — here’s how I see things shaking out.

Catchers (2): Kyle Teel, Edgar Quero

The big question here is whether Korey Lee makes the cut.

Lee is out of minor-league options, which puts the White Sox in a difficult position when it comes to depth management. However, it’s hard to envision a third catcher getting meaningful playing time with the organization heavily invested in the development of Kyle Teel and Edgar Quero.

With Drew Romo also in the system and capable of serving as a big-league backup if needed, Lee could be squeezed out — especially if the alternative is keeping an extra infielder or outfielder with upside.

That could mean Lee is designated for assignment before the regular season or potentially traded to a club that can offer him an active roster spot.

Infielders (6): Miguel Vargas, Colson Montgomery, Munetaka Murakami, Chase Meidroth, Lenyn Sosa, Curtis Mead

There’s still some uncertainty regarding Lenyn Sosa’s defensive role, and it’s difficult to project him as an everyday player. Still, unless he’s traded, he feels likely to open the season on the roster as a right-handed bench bat — particularly against left-handed pitching.

I have Curtis Mead earning the final infield spot. Brooks Baldwin projects more as a full-time outfielder this season, and while Luisangel Acuña may see some infield time, Chicago likely prefers a true corner infield option off the bench.

Mead is also out of minor-league options. That reality could make this decision a direct competition between him and Lee for one of the final roster spots. Mead’s untapped offensive potential, combined with the existing depth at catcher, gives him a slight edge in my projection.

Outfielders (5): Andrew Benintendi, Brooks Baldwin, Austin Hays, Everson Pereira, Luisangel Acuña

There’s realistically one spot up for grabs here.

Between Everson Pereira, Jarred Kelenic, and Derek Hill, I’m giving Pereira the edge. Unlike Kelenic, Pereira is already on the 40-man roster and does not have minor-league options remaining.

The White Sox are bullish on Kelenic’s offensive profile, and director of hitting Ryan Fuller has been eager to work with him. But Chicago has the flexibility to make adjustments with Kelenic and start him in Triple-A if needed.

That flexibility doesn’t exist with Pereira. He also offers significantly more offensive upside than Hill, who profiles more as a defense-first depth option.

Pereira hit 21 home runs in the minor leagues in 2025, and the White Sox may want to give him runway at the big-league level to see if that power translates. Exploring that ceiling early in the season makes sense.

Starting Pitchers (5): Shane Smith, Davis Martin, Anthony Kay, Sean Burke, Erick Fedde

This is the easiest group to project.

After signing Erick Fedde, Chicago has a relatively clear top five. While the organization will preach competition in camp and give opportunities to younger arms, Sean Burke is the only pitcher here who feels remotely vulnerable to being pushed out.

Barring injury or a surprising spring performance from someone outside this group, this appears to be the rotation.

Relief Pitchers (8): Seranthony Domínguez (CL), Jordan Leasure, Grant Taylor, Sean Newcomb, Mike Vasil, Jordan Hicks, Tyler Gilbert, Alexander Alberto (R5)

Most of these bullpen spots feel relatively secure, but the final left-handed relief role remains unsettled. I currently project the White Sox carrying two left-handed relievers into the regular season.

Tyler Gilbert gets the nod over Brandon Eisert, Chris Murphy, and Ryan Borucki largely because of roster mechanics.

Borucki is on a minor-league deal with a spring training invite and can be stashed in Triple-A. Eisert may be the most polished of the group, but he still has two minor-league options remaining. Gilbert has none.

The White Sox already lost left-handed depth when Bryan Hudson was traded to the Mets after being designated for assignment. Losing Gilbert in similar fashion before the season begins seems unlikely.

As for the Rule 5 situation, it’s difficult to project which player sticks. Jedixson Paez was selected a full round ahead of Alexander Alberto, but age and experience matter here.

Paez is only 21 and has never pitched above A-ball. He profiles long-term as a starting pitcher. Alberto also hasn’t pitched above A-ball, but he’s three years older and possesses the type of raw stuff that could translate immediately in a bullpen role. He routinely touches 100 mph, and the White Sox could potentially shelter him in lower-leverage innings while he adjusts.

That competition is one of the most intriguing storylines of the spring. Given the organization’s recent Rule 5 success, it would not be surprising if Chicago tries to keep at least one of those arms around.

The White Sox open Cactus League play Friday against the Chicago Cubs.

They’ll begin the regular season on the road against the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday, March 26.

White Sox Opening Day Roster Prediction at the Start of Spring Training

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