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As the Chicago White Sox’s spring training wraps up, manager Will Venable highlighted several standout performances from the team. Offensively, Munetaka Murakami and Everson Pereira impressed with their power and situational hitting. Defensively, the team has shown versatility with players getting reps at multiple positions. On the mound, the pitching staff has emphasized getting ahead in counts and controlling the running game.

Why it matters

The White Sox are looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2025 season, and these spring training standouts suggest the team may be poised for a strong 2026 campaign. Venable’s comments provide insight into the team’s areas of focus and the players who could play key roles.

The details

Murakami, a two-time MVP in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball league, has shown his power and defensive skills in his first MLB spring training. Pereira provided a spark with a two-run home run and a key walk to load the bases. Venable praised the team’s ability to find different ways to produce offensively, including an aggressive approach on the bases that has led to 43 stolen bases, third-most in baseball. Defensively, the team has emphasized versatility, with players like Luisangel Acuña and Chase Meidroth getting reps at multiple positions. On the mound, the pitching staff has focused on getting ahead in counts early and limiting opposing runners, leading to 263 strikeouts (5th in MLB) but also 126 walks (tied for 6th).

The Cactus League finale against the Athletics is scheduled for Monday, March 27, 2026.The 2026 regular season begins on Thursday, April 3, 2026 with a game against the Milwaukee Brewers.

The players

Will Venable

The manager of the Chicago White Sox.

Munetaka Murakami

A two-time MVP in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball league who is adjusting to life as a major-leaguer in his first spring training with the White Sox.

Everson Pereira

A White Sox outfielder who hit a two-run home run and drew a key walk in a spring training game against the Cincinnati Reds.

José Leger

The White Sox’s baserunning coach who has led the team’s aggressive approach on the bases this spring.

Anthony Kay

A White Sox pitcher who is scheduled to start the team’s final spring training game on Monday and has a team-leading 15 strikeouts in 16 1/3 innings this spring.

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What they’re saying

“We’ve asked these guys to do some things, be aggressive on the bases. They have done that. Sometimes we’ve made mistakes, but aggressive mistakes, which we like. We feel like overall the group has done a great job with (coach) José (Leger) leading the way with the baserunning stuff, these guys have taken advantage of opportunities and they are being aggressive out there.”

— Will Venable, Manager

“Defensively we’ve asked guys to play different positions and they have all looked comfortable doing it. We mentioned that’s going to be something that’s part of our program. We are continuing to try to use these last couple of games to get some reps in that regard.”

— Will Venable, Manager

What’s next

The White Sox will play their final spring training game against the Athletics on Monday, March 27, 2026 before opening the regular season on Thursday, April 3, 2026 against the Milwaukee Brewers.

The takeaway

The White Sox’s strong spring training performances, particularly on offense and defense, suggest the team may be poised to bounce back in 2026 after a disappointing 2025 season. Venable’s comments highlight the team’s focus on versatility, situational hitting, and aggressive baserunning – all areas that could give them an edge in the competitive AL Central division.