Exciting New Faces: Key White Sox Prospects Poised to Shine in 2026
By Mason Linken (https://www.justbaseball.com/author/masonlinken/) | February 4, 2026
The Chicago White Sox faced yet another disappointing season in 2025, finishing with over 100 losses for the third consecutive year. However, as we look toward 2026, there are signs of change and renewal within the franchise.
The team has made significant strides by signing Japanese sensation Munetaka Murakami, securing left-handed pitcher Anthony Kay for two years, and bringing right-handed pitcher Seranthony Domínguez on board for a similar length. Additionally, outfielder Austin Hays has been acquired in a reported deal, along with center fielder Luisangel Acuña, who joined through a trade. These strategic acquisitions signal the White Sox’s intent to turn the tide.
But it’s not just new faces from outside the organization that are creating excitement; the White Sox have also cultivated a strong pipeline of prospects during their extensive rebuilding phase. In 2025, fans witnessed promising performances from players like Colson Montgomery, Chase Meidroth, and Kyle Teel, and there are still several notable prospects in the White Sox system eager to make a name for themselves in the upcoming season.
Let’s delve into three top prospects from the White Sox who could significantly impact the team in 2026.
LHP Noah Schultz (Just Baseball No. 58)
Standing tall at six feet ten inches, Noah Schultz is the White Sox's premier prospect, and his imposing presence on the mound makes him a force to be reckoned with. At just 22 years old, this left-handed pitcher employs a diverse five-pitch repertoire, featuring a formidable sinker and slider, complemented by a curveball, changeup, and four-seam fastball (he occasionally uses a cutter, albeit in just 1.3% of his Triple-A appearances).
Since being drafted in 2022, Schultz has demonstrated exceptional talent in the minors, although 2025 proved to be a tougher season for him. Throughout his time in Double-A and Triple-A, he posted a 4.68 earned run average (ERA) along with a 4.30 Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) statistic. These figures were negatively influenced by a rough patch of 16.1 innings in Triple-A, likely exacerbated by an injury that sidelined him after July due to right patellar tendinitis. He managed to return briefly in September, pitching only five innings. Fortunately, reports suggest that he has been making good progress this offseason.
In 2025, Schultz recorded a strikeout rate of 23.2% against opposing batters, but he encountered challenges with his control, walking 13.8% of hitters faced, leading to a less-than-ideal 9.5% strikeout-to-walk ratio. This was notably the highest walk rate of his career, nearly double his previous peak of 6.9%.
There’s cause for optimism, as Schultz mentioned that his knee issues affected him throughout the season. If his recovery is progressing as well as the White Sox suggest, there’s every reason to believe he can revert to his pre-2025 form. While it’s expected that he will need some time in the minor leagues to fine-tune his skills, a call-up by June seems plausible. It’s almost certain that Schultz will find himself playing at the Major League level in 2026.
OF Braden Montgomery (Just Baseball No. 73)
Braden Montgomery emerged as a standout player following his acquisition in the trade for Garret Crochet last offseason. At just 22 years old, this switch-hitting outfielder made significant strides and reached Double-A by the end of his rookie season.
During 121 games in the minor leagues, Montgomery achieved an impressive batting line of .270/.360/.444 while hitting 12 home runs. Remarkably, his performance remained consistent, as evidenced by his wRC+ (Weighted Runs Created Plus), which consistently exceeded 133 at each level in 2025.
A key factor in his sustained success was his increasing line drive rates across the various levels he played, which improved significantly as the season progressed (Low-A: 13.2%; High-A: 21.1%; Double-A: 32.1%).
However, there is a slight concern regarding his strikeout rate in Double-A, where Montgomery struck out approximately 28.7% of the time, particularly struggling against left-handed pitchers. In fact, in 37 plate appearances against southpaws, his strikeout rate soared to 40.5%, compared to a significantly lower 24.3% strikeout rate in 107 encounters with right-handers.
Given the small sample size, these statistics may not carry much weight, but his development as a switch hitter will certainly be worth monitoring.
As Montgomery is not currently on the 40-man roster, it is unlikely that he will join the major league team by Opening Day. However, if he continues his upward trajectory similar to that of 2025, we could see him earn a call-up around early May or June.
RHP Tanner McDougal
Tanner McDougal is emerging as one of the most promising players in the White Sox farm system as he enters his fourth professional season. The 22-year-old right-handed pitcher enjoyed considerable success in 2025 and appears ready for a potential promotion to the majors this season.
After facing challenges in the minors during his initial seasons, McDougal made remarkable strides in 2025, splitting his time between High-A and Double-A. Across both levels, he posted a 3.26 ERA and a 3.15 FIP over 113.1 innings pitched, showcasing a 3.20 expected FIP (xFIP) and an impressive 28.3% strikeout rate.
What sets McDougal apart is not only his ability to rack up strikeouts but also his commendable control, as he walked roughly 10.2% of batters faced last season. This former fifth-round draft pick excels at inducing ground balls, accomplishing a ground ball rate of 45.3% in 2025, consistent with his career averages.
With a strong showing in spring training, McDougal has a genuine chance of securing a spot on the Opening Day roster. Scouts have graded his fastball and slider at 60 on the 20-80 scale, while his curveball is rated as average (50) and his changeup below average (30). All evidence points to his success in the previous year not being a mere fluke, and he appears ready for Major League Baseball action.
One thing is certain: whenever McDougal receives the call to join the big league squad, he will bring much-needed reinforcement to the White Sox's pitching rotation.
