White Sox announce Opening Day roster

CHICAGO -- The White Sox announced their 26-man roster to open the 2024 season following Wednesday’s workout at Guaranteed Rate Field. Opening Day is Thursday against the Tigers, with a 3:10 p.m. CT first pitch at Guaranteed Rate Field.

“Anyone following the White Sox has a level of curiosity of what this team is capable of,” White Sox general manager Chris Getz said. “We have some really interesting pieces and players playing for something significant in their careers.”

• One dark horse candidate to make each MLB Opening Day roster

Catcher (2): Martín Maldonado, Korey Lee
Max Stassi will officially start on the injured list due to left hip inflammation, with Lee being recalled from Triple-A Charlotte Monday in a corresponding move. Lee deserves kudos for working diligently this offseason, shortening his swing and brushing aside last year’s 5-for-65 offensive struggles. With a 1.096 OPS this spring, he looks like a different player.

First base (1): Andrew Vaughn
The 25-year-old is ready to build upon three seasons in which his homers (15-17-21) and RBIs (48-76-80) have jumped. Vaughn wants more, and many knowledgeable people around the game believe he will get there soon.

Second base (1): Nicky Lopez
Lopez is known among White Sox fans for hailing from Naperville, Ill., which is 34 miles from Guaranteed Rate Field, as mentioned frequently on broadcasts when the Royals were the opponent. He’s also a maximum-effort, high-energy player who can handle any spot on the infield.

Shortstop (1): Paul DeJong
The eight-year-run of Tim Anderson ended when the White Sox declined his $14 million option for 2024, leading to the addition of DeJong via free agency as Anderson eventually joined the Marlins. The move fits into general manager Chris Getz’s goal of wanting to improve the overall defense. DeJong, along with his defensive prowess, has shown some power, hitting three home runs during Spring Training. Colson Montgomery, the team’s top prospect and No. 9 overall per MLB Pipeline, is close to the Majors but will begin the season at Triple-A Charlotte.

Third base (1): Yoán Moncada
This is the last guaranteed contractual year for the talented switch-hitter, with the White Sox holding a $25 million option for 2025 with a $5 million buyout. His back feels good, he looks good at the plate and in the field and Moncada has even dropped down two bunts as part of his two-hole responsibilities in the lineup.

Outfield (3): Andrew Benintendi, Luis Robert Jr., Dominic Fletcher
Fletcher appears to have won the job in right field, which wasn’t really in question. The White Sox like Fletcher’s defense and his confidence despite his struggles during Cactus League play (.598 OPS).

DH (1): Eloy Jiménez
In 2023, the dynamic right-handed hitting presence had his second season where he played at least 120 games, knocking 18 homers and a career-high 23 doubles to go with his 64 RBIs. Jimenez has shown 30-plus home run potential in the past, and with one guaranteed year left on his deal (Jiménez has team options in ’25 and ’26), the White Sox hope he'll get back to that level -- if not above. He had a strong Cactus League showing, posting a .899 OPS across 54 plate appearances after employing a change in his hand position at the plate.

Bench/Utility (3): Braden Shewmake, Gavin Sheets, Kevin Pillar
Pillar was released from his Minor League deal on Friday, then returned on Sunday on a Major League contract. The outfielder would've made $3 million if he made the White Sox Opening Day roster on the original Minor League deal, but will earn a slightly lower salary on his current Major League deal. With left-hander Tarik Skubal starting for Detroit, the right-handed-hitting Pillar could be in the Opening Day starting lineup. Robbie Grossman agreed to a Minor League deal Friday and would be a perfect fit but will need Minor League at-bats before joining Chicago.

Starting pitchers (4): Garrett Crochet, Michael Soroka, Erick Fedde, Chris Flexen
Crochet’s first Major League start also will be his first Opening Day start. Although he’s a rookie, Nastrini, Chicago's No. 8 prospect, has shown good stuff and good results in Arizona (3.77 ERA across 14 1/3 innings), possessing the moxie to carry himself through rough big league starts. With the White Sox not needing a fifth starter until April 3, they will break with nine relievers and Nastrini should get the call at that point.

Relief pitchers (9): Michael Kopech, John Brebbia, Tim Hill, Deivi García, Dominic Leone, Jordan Leasure, Steven Wilson, Tanner Banks, Bryan Shaw
Brebbia is ready for Opening Day after he was sidelined much of spring with a right calf strain. Wilson comes over from San Diego and moves nicely into late-inning leverage situations. García could serve as a long reliever, and Leasure, a talented rookie and Chicago's No. 18 prospect, has been one of the best eight relievers in camp. He is a candidate for closer along with Kopech, although the White Sox won’t have a set closer at the outset. Shaw sits nine appearances away from 800 for his career.