Previewing The White Sox Outfield As We Head Into 2026
As we settle into the new year, the White Sox have made a few key improvements to their roster, as they are likely to be a better team than they were in 2025. However, the main path to more wins will have to come from the younger players on the team, as they are filled with a ton of talented rookies and second year players.
As we sit here on December 30th, the only significant rumor surrounding the team is the possible addition of Tatsuya Imai, one of the premier pitchers in Japan last season. Outside of Iami, the White Sox aren’t likely to make any additions to the roster as we head into the new year. As we head into 2026, we will take a look at each position group to see how they stack up heading into what could be a fun year. In this article, we take a look at one of the more intriguing groups on the team, the outfield.
Locks
As of right now, there are three locks in the White Sox outfield. Andrew Benintendi will man left field, Luis Robert Jr. will man center, and Everson Pereira will likely get the first crack in right field. Outside of these three, it is unknown who will take the fourth, or potential fifth spot in the outfield.
Consider me a fan of the #WhiteSox taking a flyer on Everson Pereira.
Still just 24 years old with loud tools. Consistent production in upper levels of the minors despite a rough 50 career MLB games.
Get him working with Ryan Fuller. OF is a big need.pic.twitter.com/bw2tOoZBb6
— Sam Phalen (@Sam_Phalen) November 19, 2025
The last spot or two in the outfield is up for grabs, as there is a chance that the fourth member of the outfield is not on the roster as we move into the new year. However, if the White Sox don’t add another option, the White Sox have their choice between a few talented players.
Fringe Players
As we examine the rest of the 40-man roster for the White Sox, there are few other names that could potentially make an impact in Chicago at some point this season.
First, there is Brooks Baldwin. Baldwin made his MLB debut in 2024 and was up and down with the major league team in 2025. In 103 games in 2025, he slashed .240/.290/.407, adding 11 homeruns and 38 RBIs. This was a solid season at the plate for Baldwin, and this should be enough to give him the leg up over the other players on the roster as we move into 2026. However, Baldwin isn’t known for his fielding, so that could be something that holds him back from making the Opening Day roster.
Next, there is Derek Hill, who joined the team late last season. Hill played in 57 major league games between Miami and Chicago last season, which was good enough for 1.1 WAR, according to Baseball Reference. Overall, he slashed .216/.281/.328, adding three homeruns, 11 RBIs, and 7 stolen bases. Both Hill and Baldwin could make the roster due to Baldwin’s ability to play the infield, so don’t be surprised if that is a combination you see on the roster as we move into April.
Lastly, there is Tristian Peters, who was a recent trade acquisition from the Tampa Bay Rays. Peters made his MLB debut this past season, but he went 0-12 with seven strikeouts. However, Peters was much more successful in AAA. In 136 games, Peters hit .266 with a .355 OBP. He added 15 home runs, 76 RBIs, and 11 stolen bases. Overall in his minor league career, Peters is a .264 hitter and has hit 43 homeruns and drove in 242 RBIs over 489 games. He has added 59 stolen bases and has a very solid .777 OPS.
As we stand in December 2025, there are plenty of combinations the White Sox could go with to open in the season in the outfield. Ultimately, each player’s Spring Training performance will decide who makes the team. The outfield competition will be one of the more fun competitions to watch, as there could be a surprise player or two to make the team.