Chicago

White Sox

Murakami started at DH and recorded hits with exit velocities of 100 and 74.4 mph, respectively. The 26-year-old offseason import arrives stateside with some serious contact issues, especially since he’ll be facing premium velocity more frequently than he was in Japan. Yet, he’s shown an ability to drive the ball with authority during the early stages of spring training.

Taylor hit triple-digits three times and averaged a blistering 99.8 mph on his four-seam fastball, needing just 12 pitches to spin a flawless frame. The hard-throwing 23-year-old former top prospect has the unmistakable aura of a future closer — the velocity, the demeanor, the kind of stuff that feels pre-destined for the ninth inning. However, it feels like the rebuilding White Sox will turn the ninth inning role over to veteran Seranthony Domínguez at the outset of the season, if only to increase his value for a midseason trade.

There were some initial worries when Montgomery was scratched from the lineup, but the crisis was averted. He may take a couple of days off before returning to the White Sox lineup.

Peters took Sam Garcia deep in the ninth for his first homer in the White Sox organization. Acquired for a player to be named later in December, Peterss has shown some decent offensive upside in the minors, but the 25-year-old isn’t likely to see regular playing time even on a poor roster like Chicago’s.

Vasil is battling for one of the final spots in the rotation for Chicago after a very strong rookie campaign working out of the bullpen for the White Sox. This outing didn’t go particularly well, however, as he walked two and gave up three hits before exiting. Vasil is worth monitoring, but can be safely kept off rosters to open 2026.

Quero hit a pair of two-run singles. The 22-year-old backstop was the subject of trade rumors this winter as Kyle Teel appears to be their answer at catcher, but there’s a decent chance he’ll still get some solid playing time in 2026.

Murphy has worked exclusively in relief in the majors, but the 27-year-old could get stretched out either as a potential starting option or a multi-inning bullpen arm. While he’s been effective as a reliever, fantasy managers should look elsewhere even if he did somehow get a starting gig.

Murakami was initially announced as being scratched from the lineup today because he was stuck in traffic behind a car accident, but he showed up just in time to get the start at first base. He grounded out in his first at-bat and then delivered a 108-mph smash for a single in the third. His two-run double in his final at-bat was well struck to center, getting projected at 408 feet, but it would have been caught just short of the wall had Seiya Suzuki not lost it in the sun.

Lee spent much of last season in Triple-A with the White Sox content to go with two rookie catchers in Kyle Teel and Edgar Quero, but he did come back up for the final five weeks, allowing the team to use one of its catchers at DH. That might again be the plan this season, as the White Sox have left themselves plenty of flexibility to keep Teel and Quero in the lineup at the same time. Plus, Lee is out of options, so the White Sox would risk losing him if they tried to send him down.

It sounds like a minor issue and not something that should sideline the 24-year-old outfielder long term. He’ll have plenty of opportunities to state his case for a spot in the White Sox’ Opening Day outfield before the spring concludes.