White Sox 26-Man Opening Day Roster Predictions

The White Sox square off against the Angels on Opening Day in Chicago a week from today. With that in mind, it is time to start thinking about what the Opening Day roster will look like.

Catchers

Korey Lee (R), Matt Thaiss (L)

The White Sox catcher situation felt murky a few weeks ago but has sorted itself out. Kyle Teel and Edgar Quero are the catchers of the future, but both were reassigned to minor league camp the other day. Non-roster invite Omar Narváez is also still in camp but likely will not make the team.

As a result, Korey Lee and Matt Thaiss will be the two catchers the White Sox carry on the Opening Day roster. The right-handed hitting Lee was the team’s primary catcher last season, while the left-handed hitting Thaiss was acquired this offseason. They should split time behind the plate based on matchups. Their spots are safe for now but could be in danger once Teel and Quero are ready.

Infielders

Andrew Vaughn (R), Josh Rojas (L), Miguel Vargas (R), Lenyn Sosa (R), Brandon Drury (R), Chase Meidroth (R)

The infield was another area of intense competition this spring. Andrew Vaughn and free agent signing Josh Rojas were seemingly the only locks from the start. Lenyn Sosa and Miguel Vargas are out of minor league options and have been strong performers this spring, earning them spots likely at third and second base, respectively. Chase Meidroth has been playing shortstop in spring training consistently and is one of the main options at the position following the somewhat surprising option of top prospect Colson Montgomery to AAA. Brandon Drury joined the organization as a non-roster invite this spring and has torn the cover off the ball. He has experience all over the infield and could DH some as well.

Outfielders

Andrew Benintendi (L), Luis Robert Jr. (R), Mike Tauchman (L), Austin Slater (R), Michael A. Taylor (R)

The outfield was one of the few areas on the roster where the team was virtually set from the beginning of spring. Andrew Benintendi and Luis Robert Jr. were always going to make the team for obvious reasons. Mike Tauchman, Austin Slater, and Michael A. Taylor were all given guaranteed free agent contracts this offseason, so their spots should also be secure.

Trade rumors have surrounded Robert Jr. for some time, but he is still with the White Sox as of now. Benintendi and Slater have had injury issues this spring, but both have returned to action and should be ready for Opening Day.

Starting Rotation

Sean Burke (R), Davis Martin (R), Martín Perez (L), Jonathan Cannon (R), Shane Smith (R)

The starting rotation is another area where several spots were already cemented before spring. Davis Martin, Martín Perez, and Jonathan Cannon all had strong grips on rotation spots from the start. Sean Burke was more of a question mark, but his strong spring performance and the surprise announcement of him being the Opening Day starter guarantees him a spot for obvious reasons. Former Rule 5 pick Shane Smith has been a revelation this spring and was just informed today that he will make the team. With Drew Thorpe’s elbow issues flaring up again, Smith’s avenue to a rotation spot has opened up and he will likely be the #5 starter to begin the season.

Bullpen

Bryse Wilson (R), Penn Murfee (R), Cam Booser (L), Steven Wilson (R), Gus Varland (R), Justin Anderson (R), Fraser Ellard (L), Mike Clevinger (R)

The bullpen was the biggest question mark going into the spring, as there seemingly wasn’t anyone guaranteed a spot. Bryse Wilson signed as a free agent this offseason and should take the long reliever role. Offseason acquisitions Penn Murfee and Cam Booser have earned spots as well. Steven Wilson, Gus Varland, Justin Anderson, and Fraser Ellard are all holdovers from last year. The team recently brought back Mike Clevinger as a reliever and he has looked good in a small sample this spring. The specific roles within the bullpen will likely be decided by performance once the season starts.

White Sox Projected 26-Man Opening Day Roster

Catchers: Korey Lee (R), Matt Thaiss (L)

Infielders: Andrew Vaughn (R), Josh Rojas (L), Miguel Vargas (R), Lenyn Sosa (R), Brandon Drury (R), Chase Meidroth (R)

Outfielders: Andrew Benintendi (L), Luis Robert Jr. (R), Mike Tauchman (L), Austin Slater (R), Michael A. Taylor (R)

Starting Rotation: Sean Burke (R), Davis Martin (R), Martín Perez (L), Jonathan Cannon (R), Shane Smith (R)

Bullpen: Bryse Wilson (R), Penn Murfee (R), Cam Booser (L), Steven Wilson (R), Gus Varland (R), Justin Anderson (R), Fraser Ellard (L), Mike Clevinger (R)

The 2025 White Sox will likely have many personnel changes throughout the season. It wouldn’t be surprising if the roster looked very different by the end of the season because of trades and prospect promotions.