White Sox Lineup for Spring Training Opener vs. Cubs Highlights New Additions

Munetaka Murakami's debut and the catching competition take center stage as the White Sox face off against the Cubs in their first Cactus League game.

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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The Chicago White Sox are set to begin their Spring Training schedule on Friday, facing off against their crosstown rival Chicago Cubs. The lineup features several new additions, including Japanese superstar Munetaka Murakami making his debut at first base, as well as a competition at catcher between Kyle Teel and Korey Lee. Additionally, prospect Sam Antonacci will get a chance to showcase his skills at second base.

Why it matters

This game marks the start of a new era for the White Sox, who are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season. The additions of Murakami and other key offseason acquisitions have raised expectations, and this first spring training game will give fans a glimpse of what's to come in 2026.

The details

Murakami, who signed a lucrative deal with the White Sox this offseason after dominating in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball league, will bat cleanup and play first base. Catcher Kyle Teel, who showed promise as a rookie last year, will get the start behind the plate, while Korey Lee, another young catcher, will serve as the designated hitter. Prospect Sam Antonacci, who had a breakout 2025 season in the minors, will start at second base.

  • The White Sox and Cubs will face off on Friday, February 20, 2026 in their first Cactus League game of the spring.
  • Munetaka Murakami is expected to play in 5 spring training games before leaving to join Japan's team for the World Baseball Classic.

The players

Munetaka Murakami

A Japanese superstar who signed with the White Sox this offseason after breaking the single-season home run record in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball league in 2022.

Kyle Teel

A young catcher who showed promise as a rookie for the White Sox in 2025 and will be competing for playing time behind the plate this spring.

Korey Lee

Another young catcher in the White Sox system who is out of minor league options, giving him a chance to make the major league roster as a third catcher.

Sam Antonacci

A 23-year-old infielder prospect who had a breakout 2025 season, climbing from the complex league to Double-A and showcasing his disciplined plate approach and speed on the basepaths.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This game will be an important first look at the new-look White Sox, with the debut of Murakami and the continued development of young players like Teel, Lee, and Antonacci all taking center stage. The competition at catcher and Murakami's adjustment to MLB pitching will be key storylines to follow as the team gears up for the 2026 season.