Though the Chicago White Sox enter the offseason having their third straight year of 100+ losses (60-102), they can hang their heads high and feel optimistic that things could change in 2026, thanks to their young core led by Colson Montgomery finding success.
More News: Chicago White Sox have one player ‘vying’ for a 40-man roster spot
With their young players taking a step forward and the front office willing to “increase payroll,” the White Sox must sign some veterans who have won before to help mold this team into a winner. The White Sox took their first step in building their roster for next season, deciding to pick up Luis Robert Jr.’s club option, while Martin Perez will be searching for a better deal in free agency.
The Chicago White Sox decide to bring back Luis Robert Jr., while Martin Perez departs
MLB: Chicago White Sox at Boston Red Sox Apr 18, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Martin Perez (54) pitches against the Boston Red Sox during the first inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Since the Los Angeles Dodgers won the World Series on Saturday against the Toronto Blue Jays, teams and players have until Thursday to accept or decline any options (club, player, or mutual). Robert Jr. and Perez were the White Sox’s only two players with options this offseason, announcing on Tuesday that they will be picking up Robert Jr. $20 million club option, with Perez declining his side of a $10 million mutual option.
Perez will receive a $1.5 million buyout for opting out of his option.
The Chicago White Sox exercised the $20-million option on the contract of outfielder Luis Robert Jr. for the 2026 season, while left-handed pitcher Martín Pérez has declined the $10-million mutual option for 2026 and will receive a $1.5-million buyout.
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) November 4, 2025
Perez signed a one-year $5 million contract with the White Sox ahead of the 2025 season, which didn’t go according to plan, as Perez missed four months of the season due to elbow inflammation in his left arm. Perez would return to pitch down the stretch and finish the season going 1-6 with a 3.54 ERA in 56.0 innings (11 games, 10 starts).
The White Sox will count on Luis Robert Jr. to step up in 2026
MLB: Minnesota Twins at Chicago White Sox Aug 24, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox second baseman Chase Meidroth (10) celebrates with center fielder Luis Robert Jr. (88) team’s win against the Minnesota Twins in a baseball game at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
After two straight down seasons, hitting .224 with an OPS of .657 in 2024 and .223 with an OPS of .661 in 2025, the White Sox will need Robert Jr. to get back to his 2023 self, where he was an All-Star, Silver Slugger winner, and finished in 12th place for the MVP vote, to be successful next season.
However, there is some concern with Robert Jr.’s health heading into next season, as he finished the season on the injured list with a hamstring strain, his second of the season. The White Sox should take caution with Robert Jr. moving forward, as these tend to linger.
For the White Sox to be competitive in 2026, it will be because their young core took a step forward in their development, but ultimately, if Robert Jr. returns to form.
MLB: Philadelphia Phillies at Chicago White Sox Jul 30, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox catcher Edgar Quero (7) celebrates with designated hitter Kyle Teel (8) and center fielder Luis Robert Jr. (88) after hitting a three-run home run during the seventh inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
Chicago White Sox have one player ‘vying’ for a 40-man roster spot
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