GLENDALE, Ariz. — Shane Smith was still processing the news shortly after being named the 2026 opening-day starter for the Chicago White Sox.
“It means a lot to me and it means a lot for the White Sox to believe in me to start the season hopefully on a strong note,” Smith said Sunday morning at Camelback Ranch. “A year can change a lot of things, 18 months can change a lot of things in life. But really grateful to be here and to represent the White Sox on opening day.”
Last year at this time, Smith — a Rule 5 draft selection — was competing for a roster spot. He not only earned that spot, but went on to be the team’s representative at the All-Star Game.
The right-hander finished his rookie season 7-8 with a 3.81 ERA and 145 strikeouts in 146 1/3 innings over 29 starts. He’ll open on March 26 against his former organization, the Milwaukee Brewers, at American Family Field.
“It’s really incredible,” manager Will Venable said of the accomplishments. “It’s really cool to see. And really attribute it to a guy that works extremely hard.
“He’s got the right mentality, he’s obviously very talented physically, but he works at this and he put himself in this position.”
Chicago White Sox’s Shane Smith pitches during live batting practice at spring training at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Ariz., on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Smith, 25, received word of the opening-day assignment after walking into Venable’s office on Sunday.
“You never know when you walk in and see your general manager and manager sitting there,” Smith said. “That office, I’ve only received good news in that office. But every time I go in there, I’m still nervous. Walked out with better news.”
Smith then took a moment to himself outside.
“I’m super thankful,” he said. “Your career, you never think it’s going to go one way or another. You always think it’s going to be smooth sailing. I think just to get that reassurance that the team believes in you. You want to put a good step forward.”
Smith pitched for portions of three seasons in the Brewers’ organization before the Sox selected him with the first pick of the Rule 5 draft in December 2024.
“I think it will be cool, I work out with (Brewers outfielder) Sal Frelick in the offseason so I know him really well,” Smith said of his remaining ties. “A lot of my good buddies are still over there. I hope they are on the opening-day roster and I can see them after opening day.
“I never went to Milwaukee with that organization. So first time going there, being with the White Sox, it will be a little ironic. But opening day against anybody, it’s an honor.”
Smith said he tries not to make comparisons when asked how earning the roster spot last year stacked up to getting the opening-day nod this year.
“Similar feeling of just trying to work your butt off to achieve a goal,” Smith said. “Last year, it was making the team. Opening day was what I wanted. Being on a team first and foremost, but opening day is what I was striving for. So, just to get that was a really good feeling.
“After opening day, you hopefully have 30 more starts. Hopefully it’s the start of a solid year.”
Venable has watched Smith grow on and off the field.
“(He’s) somebody that obviously from a performance standpoint has put himself in that category of guys we want at the front of our rotation,” Venable said. “But also as a teammate and a leader in our clubhouse, he’s a guy that sets an example for our group and is really emerging as a leader in the clubhouse. So very excited to have Shane be our opening-day starter.”
Venable said the remaining order of the rotation will be announced at a later date.
Smith is excited to take the next steps along his baseball path.
“I think my journey starts long before the Rule 5,” Smith said. “Since I graduated high school, my baseball career has never been the same.
“I’ve never been on any prospect list, never been a top-30 prospect for any team. I think that just tells me those things aren’t as important. What you do on a daily basis and how you treat the people around you is a better identifier of who you are as a baseball player than anything.”