The White Sox are back to work at Spring Training, which means it\u2019s time to overreact and make season predictions based on limited data. It\u2019s fun to be optimistic and bold when there\u2019s nothing to lose, and everyone\u2019s just happy the sun is out after 6:00 p.m. Even if you don\u2019t believe these will happen, let yourself imagine these events actually playing out. In reality, that world isn\u2019t as fantastical as you may believe.<\/p>\n
The Sox will have a winning record in two months of the season<\/p>\n
Chicago hasn\u2019t won more than half their games in a month since May 2023. Oh, how time flies. But this year will be different. Although a winning record for one-third of the season does not make a playoff team, the Sox will surprise people with their competitiveness. June is realistically the time for them to win 14 of their 26 games. They have a decent chance of sweeping the Twins at Target Field, taking two of three games against the Braves, Royals, and Guardians at home, and spoiling the Tigers\u2019 homestand with a series win. That just leaves not getting swept on the road against the Yankees and Phillies.<\/p>\n
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Their September schedule is easier and offers another chance to put forth a winning record. Hosting the Twins, Pirates, and Rockies while visiting the recently torn-down Cardinals are positive signs. Two series against their division rivals is also an incentive to play spoiler to the playoff race. All of this assumes that the Sox won\u2019t catch late-season fatigue and will still be motivated to play like there\u2019s no tomorrow, even if they\u2019re well out of the playoff race, but it wouldn\u2019t be a bold prediction if those were guaranteed.<\/p>\n
Braden Montgomery will be an AL Rookie of the Year contender<\/p>\n
The South Siders\u2019 No. 1 prospect and MLB\u2019s No. 36 will make a splash this season. Montgomery\u2019s rapid acceleration through the minors carries plenty of promise for his big career. His stable .270\/.360\/.444 slash line and 55 walks across 121 games from Single through Double-A last season demonstrate his ability to thrive at higher levels. His recent Spring Training performance \u2014 including two triples and an impressive home run off Shota Imanaga \u2014 is garnering attention across baseball. If he can tap into the plus raw power that scouts identified, he could quickly make a name for himself.<\/p>\n