White Sox Aim to Build on Promising Second Half

After three straight 100-loss seasons, the White Sox are optimistic about their young talent and improved roster.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Chicago White Sox are looking to build on their promising second half of the 2025 season, which saw them go 28-37 after the All-Star break. The team has made several key offseason additions, including closer Serathony Dominguez, outfielder Austin Hays, and Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami. With a reworked bullpen and an offense that finished in the top half of the league in OPS in the second half, the White Sox believe they have the pieces in place to take a big step forward in 2026.

Why it matters

The White Sox are hoping to put their recent struggles behind them and emerge as a contender in the AL Central, which has seen increased parity in recent seasons. After three straight 100-loss campaigns, a successful 2026 season would be a major boost for the franchise and its long-suffering fanbase.

The details

The White Sox made several key offseason additions to bolster their roster, including closer Serathony Dominguez, outfielder Austin Hays, and Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami. They also brought back veteran right-hander Eric Fedde to add depth to their starting rotation. The team's offense showed signs of life in the second half of 2025, finishing in the top half of the league in OPS and the top 10 in home runs.

  • The White Sox finished the 2025 season with a 28-37 record after the All-Star break.
  • The White Sox set the modern-day record for losses in a single season at 121 in 2024, and followed that up with a 102-loss year in 2025.

The players

Mike Vasil

A pitcher who is part of the White Sox's reworked bullpen, which now includes closer Serathony Dominguez and Jordan Hicks.

Serathony Dominguez

The new closer for the White Sox, acquired in the offseason to bolster the team's bullpen.

Jordan Hicks

A new addition to the White Sox's bullpen, joining the reworked unit.

Munetaka Murakami

A Japanese slugger acquired by the White Sox in the offseason to add power to their lineup.

Austin Hays

An outfielder acquired by the White Sox in the offseason to join their revamped roster.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I think we're going to be good. I think we're a good team. We also have a lot of energy. I think we're all bonded over experiences. And we're all friends. That plays such a vital role on a team. You're not just a work partner. We genuinely care about each other.”

— Mike Vasil (abc7chicago.com)

“When you're at home in the offseason and you're seeing the team is improving, its very, very exciting.”

— Mike Vasil (abc7chicago.com)

“There's a fair amount of momentum that's been created both because of the second half last year and some of the acquisitions that we were able to make in the offseason. So yeah, we feel really good about where we're at. The room is excited, they're hungry, but we have to go out and play good baseball. And that's why we're out here in spring training to really set the stage for that.”

— Chris Getz, General Manager (abc7chicago.com)

“All that competition is good. It brings out the best in us. We're all friends. That breeds all sort of success.”

— Davis Martin (abc7chicago.com)

“One thousand percent. I think this clubhouse is focused on winning. We know we can. We have a lot of talent in this clubhouse. We acquired guys this offseason. We're excited to see them play. I think it's a great unit. Im excited to see where it takes us this year.”

— Davis Martin (abc7chicago.com)

What’s next

The White Sox will look to carry their momentum from the second half of the 2025 season into the 2026 campaign, with the goal of contending for a playoff spot in the AL Central.

The takeaway

After several seasons of rebuilding and 100-loss campaigns, the White Sox appear poised to take a significant step forward in 2026. With a revamped roster, improved bullpen, and a talented young core, the team is optimistic about its chances of ending its postseason drought and emerging as a contender in the AL Central.