Christmas came early for Chicago White Sox fans this year.
Over the past week, the Sox made two free-agent additions to address significant roster needs. While fans were hopeful for some activity—and maybe even a small splash—it felt unlikely given the organization’s recent track record.
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But it happened.
Chicago landed Munetaka Murakami on a two-year, $34 million contract, bringing an elite power bat that earned him international fame to the South Side. He has the potential to anchor the middle of the lineup alongside the young core.
The White Sox also added left-handed pitcher Sean Newcomb, whom some considered the best southpaw still available on the market.
It’s a real Christmas miracle.
These additions matter. But there’s still more on the holiday wish list. The White Sox can’t be done shopping just yet.
Here’s a look at the three biggest needs the club still needs to address before Opening Day.
1. Corner Outfield
In my opinion, this is the biggest remaining need for the White Sox—even if the front office doesn’t seem to view it with the same urgency.
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Mike Tauchman was non-tendered and is now a free agent. There’s also a growing belief that Andrew Benintendi may be better suited for designated hitter duties as his defense continues to decline. And, of course, trade rumors surrounding Luis Robert Jr. refuse to go away.
As things stand, Chicago’s projected outfield looks something like Benintendi, Robert Jr., and… maybe Brooks Baldwin in right field?
Or is it Everson Pereira? Tristan Peters?
It’s hard to say—and that’s the whole point.
It should be well within Chicago’s budget to sign a serviceable veteran corner outfielder in free agency. I’ve advocated for Austin Hays, but I’m not married to one specific target.
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Go get Max Kepler. Explore J.J. Bleday. Buy low on Michael Conforto as a bounce-back candidate. If it doesn’t work, you still have younger options like Baldwin and Pereira to fall back on—but those players shouldn’t be Plan A.
The outfield depth is already thin, and if the White Sox ultimately pull the trigger on a Luis Robert Jr. trade, the situation becomes even more dire.
2. Bullpen
Without saying it outright, Chris Getz has effectively tempered expectations when it comes to bullpen additions.
White Sox fans wanted a proven closer. But high-leverage relievers were getting paid big money on this year’s market. Chicago decided its resources were better spent elsewhere, and that line of thinking is understandable.
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With Pete Fairbanks signing with the Miami Marlins, most of the established closer options are now off the board. Even so, the White Sox still need to add a veteran reliever capable of handling high-leverage situations.
There’s an intriguing group of arms already in place—but also a lot of inexperience.
Scott Barlow stands out as a logical fit. He owns 59 career saves and a 3.60 ERA, routinely makes 60–70 appearances per season, and has experience pitching in leverage spots. Most importantly, he won’t cost anywhere near what a top-tier closer commands.
Spotrac projects Barlow to earn around $2.6 million in average annual value. Even if it takes slightly more, the White Sox should be all-in at that price point.
3. Starting Pitcher
While the White Sox plan to give Sean Newcomb a chance to start during spring training, they can’t rely on that as their primary innings addition.
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Newcomb has found his most recent success in a relief role, and he actually fits nicely as a left-handed long-relief option in the bullpen—essentially filling a role similar to Mike Vasil.
That means Chris Getz still needs to add a starting pitcher.
He’s already shown a willingness to operate in the mid-tier pitching market, and that’s where this move should come from. It won’t be a marquee signing, but someone like right-hander Zack Littell—or even a reunion with Lucas Giolito—would make sense for a team trying to take a step forward while protecting its young arms in 2026.
Opening the season with Shane Smith, Davis Martin, Anthony Kay, a free-agent addition, and whoever wins the fifth spot in camp—with Sean Burke currently holding the edge—would give Chicago a well-rounded rotation. It would represent a clear upgrade from what the White Sox got from their starting pitching in 2025.
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Without another addition, innings will be hard to come by, and the production may not be enough to give this fun, young team a real chance to win ballgames.
You won’t find me complaining about what the White Sox have done so far.
But I still don’t have everything I want for Christmas—and that means the White Sox have more work to do once the calendar flips to the new year.