White Sox Offseason Moves Spark Concerns for 2026 Season

Bargain bin shopping and trading top outfielder leave fans anxious about team's direction.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The Chicago White Sox have been active this offseason, making several moves including the signing of Japanese star Munetaka Murakami, bringing in a few potential starting pitchers, and trading away star outfielder Luis Robert Jr. to the Mets. However, the team's continued bargain bin shopping and the dismissal of popular pitching coach Ethan Katz have left some fans nervous about the team's prospects for the 2026 season.

Why it matters

The White Sox have struggled in recent years to field a consistent contender, and their offseason moves this year have done little to assuage concerns about the team's direction. Fans are worried that the team's cost-cutting measures and roster turnover could undermine their chances of making a playoff push in 2026.

The details

The White Sox made a surprising move in signing Japanese star Munetaka Murakami to a 'Benintendi'-style deal, which has generated some excitement. They've also brought in a couple of potential starting pitchers in Anthony Kay and Sean Newcomb, as well as outfielders Austin Hays, Luisangel Acuña, and Everson Pereira. However, the team's decision to trade away star outfielder Luis Robert Jr. to the Mets has left many fans concerned. Additionally, the dismissal of popular pitching coach Ethan Katz has raised questions about the team's commitment to player development.

  • The White Sox made their offseason moves in preparation for the 2026 MLB season.

The players

Chris Getz

The general manager of the Chicago White Sox.

Jerry Reinsdorf

The owner of the Chicago White Sox.

Munetaka Murakami

A Japanese baseball star who signed a 'Benintendi'-style deal with the White Sox this offseason.

Anthony Kay

A pitcher the White Sox brought in this offseason as a potential starter.

Sean Newcomb

Another pitcher the White Sox brought in this offseason as a potential starter.

Austin Hays

An outfielder the White Sox acquired this offseason to shore up their outfield.

Luisangel Acuña

An outfielder the White Sox acquired this offseason who could be a legit starter or end up in Charlotte.

Everson Pereira

Another outfielder the White Sox acquired this offseason who could be a legit starter or end up in Charlotte.

Luis Robert Jr.

The star outfielder the White Sox traded away to the Mets this offseason.

Ethan Katz

The popular pitching coach who was dismissed by the White Sox this offseason.

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What’s next

The White Sox will need to prove that their offseason moves can translate to success on the field in the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The White Sox's offseason has left many fans anxious about the team's direction, as their continued bargain bin shopping and roster turnover have done little to inspire confidence in the team's ability to field a consistent contender. The team will need to show that their offseason moves can pay dividends on the field in 2026 to allay these concerns.