South Side Sox Staff Predictions: Who Will Shine in 2026?

As the 2026 season approaches, the excitement is palpable among the South Side Sox staff, who have eagerly shared their predictions for the upcoming year. In a tradition that invites both praise and playful jabs, ten writers have stepped up to the plate, laying bare their expectations for the season ahead. These insights will be revisited in October to determine who hit the mark and who swung and missed.

The American League is shaping up to be a battleground, with the Tigers and Mariners emerging as clear favorites in their respective divisions. The AL East, however, promises a more intense competition. Meanwhile, in the National League, the Brewers, Mets, and Dodgers are all viewed as strong contenders.

In a light-hearted nod to site dynamics, the discussion of potential suspensions for writers Hannah Filippo, David James, and Joe Kiang-Resis has been a topic of conversation. The reasons behind this playful banter are left to the imagination of readers.

The race for the AL’s top position appears fiercely competitive, contrasting with the perceived ease of the NL. Notably, the White Sox garnered no votes for the league’s worst team—a curious shift from previous expectations.

On the MVP front, most staff members have opted for safe bets, predicting repeat wins for Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani. The AL Cy Young race looks like a two-horse contest, while Paul Skenes seems poised for a comfortable lead in the NL.

When it comes to the White Sox, predictions for their win total vary significantly, ranging from 66 to 80 games. Surprisingly, Brett Ballantini is not leading the pack as the most pessimistic predictor. The team’s MVP and best pitcher appear to be clear-cut choices, while the Rookie of the Year debate has sparked some friendly controversy. Filippo champions Luisangel Acuña for the honor, while James controversially tags him as the team’s worst player. Such contrasts highlight the unpredictability of the season ahead.

The staff’s “tiebreaker” categories, designed for some fun and topical discourse, delve into intriguing questions about the White Sox’s future. Will they boast a winning record post-Tax Day? Will they select Roch Cholowsky with the No. 1 draft pick? Can Justin Ishiba become the owner by year’s end? Will Andrew Benintendi be traded? Will the Birmingham Barons secure a third consecutive Southern League title? And finally, will the White Sox extend Munetaka Murakami? These questions set the stage for a thrilling season filled with possibilities.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.