The White Sox improved by 19 wins from the 2024 to the 2025 season, marking significant improvement. Additionally, the White Sox played much better than a 60-102 team for most of the second half, as they had some important contributions from the rookies on the roster.
As we dissect the 2025 season, we will take a look at how each player performed, as well as their outlook for 2026 and beyond. The next player we will take a look at will be Rule-5 draft pick, Shane Smith.
Smith was the first overall pick in the Rule-5 draft, which gave him a decent shot to make the team out of Spring Training. This wasn't a given, as despite picking high in the draft every year, the White Sox haven't had a significant contribution out of a Rule-5 pick in long time.
That changed this year, as Smith was one of two Rule-5 picks to make an impact for the White Sox in 2025. Not only did he make an impact, but he was the White Sox all-star representative during the summer classic.
Shane Smith 🔥
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) April 24, 2025
The @WhiteSox rookie fans 7 over 5 scoreless frames. pic.twitter.com/bdWsOesLcw
Smith showed his ace potential, as he pitched to a 3.81 ERA over 146 innings. He struck out 145 batters and had a 1.20 WHIP. The ERA and WHIP were elevated by a rough late June-July, but Smith got back on track after a short IL stint.
Smith's numbers likely spiked in the middle of the season due to fatigue, as he had never thrown over 94 innings in his professional career due to the fact that he mainly worked as a reliever prior to the 2024 season. Smith was able to overcome any fatigue, as he pitched to a phenomenal 2.67 ERA with a .161 batting average against in August and a very solid 3.81 ERA with a .227 BAA in September.
Baseball Savant graded out Smith's fastball run value in the 99th percentile in the league, which is as good as it gets. They also graded him out as a well above average pitcher overall, as he ranked in the top 3rd in the MLB in whiff percentage and barrel percentage.
Still just 25, Smith will continue to improve and will likely take the next step in 2026, as he has the whole offseason to work with Brian Bannister and the new pitching coach. Smith will slot in as the Opening Day starter and should be the anchor of the staff moving forward.
I would grade Smith's season as an A+, as he cannot have had a better season as a Rule-5 pick. Most picks in that draft never see any major league action, while even fewer turn into all-stars. The White Sox got a good one and he should form a formidable top three in the rotation with Hagen Smith and Noah Schultz.
