Chicago White Sox name Shane Smith as opening-day starter

Smith, a Rule 5 draft selection last year, will take the mound for the White Sox on March 26 against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The Chicago White Sox have named Shane Smith as their opening-day starter for the 2026 season. Last year, Smith was competing for a roster spot with the team after being a Rule 5 draft selection, but he not only made the team, he went on to represent the White Sox at the All-Star Game. The 25-year-old right-hander finished his rookie season 7-8 with a 3.81 ERA and 145 strikeouts in 146 1/3 innings over 29 starts.

Why it matters

Smith's journey to becoming the White Sox's opening-day starter is a remarkable turnaround, as he was not considered a top prospect and had to earn his spot on the team last year. His emergence as a leader both on and off the field has earned him the honor of taking the mound for the White Sox on opening day.

The details

Smith was informed of the opening-day assignment after walking into manager Will Venable's office on Sunday. He said the news was a 'really good feeling' and that he is 'super thankful' for the opportunity. Smith pitched for portions of three seasons in the Brewers' organization before the White Sox selected him in the Rule 5 draft in December 2024.

  • Smith will take the mound for the White Sox on March 26, 2026 against his former organization, the Milwaukee Brewers, at American Family Field.

The players

Shane Smith

A 25-year-old right-handed pitcher who was a Rule 5 draft selection by the Chicago White Sox in 2024. He had a breakout rookie season in 2025, making the All-Star team and finishing 7-8 with a 3.81 ERA and 145 strikeouts.

Will Venable

The manager of the Chicago White Sox, who praised Smith's work ethic, talent, and emerging leadership role on the team.

Sal Frelick

A Milwaukee Brewers outfielder who Smith works out with in the offseason and hopes to see on opening day.

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What they’re saying

“It means a lot to me and it means a lot for the White Sox to believe in me to start the season hopefully on a strong note. A year can change a lot of things, 18 months can change a lot of things in life. But really grateful to be here and to represent the White Sox on opening day.”

— Shane Smith (chicagotribune.com)

“It's really incredible. It's really cool to see. And really attribute it to a guy that works extremely hard. He's got the right mentality, he's obviously very talented physically, but he works at this and he put himself in this position.”

— Will Venable, Manager, Chicago White Sox (chicagotribune.com)

What’s next

The White Sox will announce the remaining order of their starting rotation at a later date.

The takeaway

Shane Smith's journey from Rule 5 draft pick competing for a roster spot to the White Sox's opening-day starter in just 18 months is a testament to his hard work, talent, and the organization's belief in him. His emergence as a leader both on and off the field has earned him this prestigious honor to start the 2026 season.