White Sox's Smith, Quero Struggle Early in Sophomore Seasons

Two top Chicago prospects aim to recapture rookie form after slow starts.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:11am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball game or match, with the players and field broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and shape, capturing the fractured nature of the White Sox's early-season woes.The White Sox's young stars struggle to find their rhythm as the team searches for a path back to contention.Chicago Today

Chicago White Sox players Shane Smith and Edgar Quero, who had breakout rookie seasons in 2025, have struggled mightily to start the 2026 campaign. Smith, a 26-year-old pitcher, and Quero, a 23-year-old catcher, have both acknowledged their poor early-season performances and are working to regain the form that made them top prospects for the rebuilding White Sox.

Why it matters

The White Sox are counting on Smith and Quero to be key contributors as the team looks to rise out of the AL Central cellar. Their early-season struggles are a setback for a franchise that has pinned its hopes on the development of its young core.

The details

In his first three starts of 2026, Smith has posted a 10.80 ERA, lasting just 3.2 innings per outing. Meanwhile, Quero is batting .148 with no extra-base hits or RBIs through his first 27 at-bats. Both players have been candid about their poor play, with Quero saying 'Everybody knows I suck right now' and Smith acknowledging that his inability to go deep into games 'puts you in a tough spot'.

  • On April 4, Quero went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts in a loss to the Baltimore Orioles.
  • Through his first three starts of the 2026 season, Smith has a 10.80 ERA.

The players

Shane Smith

A 26-year-old pitcher for the Chicago White Sox who had a breakout 2025 season, going 7-8 with a 3.81 ERA in 29 starts.

Edgar Quero

A 23-year-old catcher for the Chicago White Sox who hit .268 with 5 home runs and 36 RBIs in 111 games as a rookie in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“Everybody knows I suck right now. I'm not afraid to say it.”

— Edgar Quero, Catcher

“Not really putting our team in a good position to win. Just killing our bullpen.”

— Shane Smith, Pitcher

The takeaway

The early-season struggles of Smith and Quero are a concerning development for the rebuilding White Sox, who were counting on the young duo to be key pieces of their future. If they cannot quickly regain their rookie-year form, it could be a long season for the White Sox as they try to climb out of the AL Central basement.