Which White Sox Player Is Ready to Take the Leap in 2026
There have been recent seasons when asking this question about the Chicago White Sox felt more like sarcasm than analysis.
The 2024 and 2025 campaigns tested even the most patient observers.
But 2026 carries a different tone.
The rebuild is no longer theoretical.
It is visible.
A young core is emerging, and with it comes legitimate intrigue.
Someone on this roster is going to take a measurable step forward.
The only question is who.
The obvious breakout candidate: Colson Montgomery
If you are looking for the cleanest projection, Colson Montgomery stands at the front of the line.
The former first round pick possesses the profile teams build around.
Size.
Plate discipline.
Gap power with room to grow into more.
His 2025 season showed flashes of impact offense and improving defensive reliability at shortstop.
Young middle infielders often make their most dramatic leap in their second or third extended exposure to big league pitching.
Montgomery’s swing decisions improved late last year.
His contact rate stabilized.
If those trends carry forward, a 25 home run, above average defensive season is not unrealistic.
For a rebuilding club seeking a cornerstone, Montgomery feels like the safest bet to ascend into All Star territory.
The high ceiling arm: Noah Schultz
If you prefer upside with electricity, look no further than Noah Schultz.
The towering left hander has drawn national attention for his combination of velocity and deception.
His extension and angle create uncomfortable at bats.
Chicago’s front office has been deliberate with his development, but there is a growing sense that 2026 could mark his meaningful arrival.
Young pitchers often experience volatility, yet Schultz’s strikeout metrics in the minors suggest genuine front of the rotation potential.
If he breaks camp or earns an early call up and handles the transition smoothly, he could instantly alter the trajectory of the pitching staff.
A breakout season from Schultz would not merely represent growth.
It would signal legitimacy in the rebuild.
The underrated bat: Edgar Quero
Catching prospects rarely receive breakout predictions because the developmental curve is demanding.
However, Edgar Quero may be poised to surprise.
His offensive skill set at the position is advanced for his age.
Quero controls the strike zone.
He makes consistent contact.
If his defensive refinement continues to progress, Chicago could suddenly find itself with a two way contributor behind the plate.
In a division where offensive production from catcher is inconsistent, even a modest power surge could elevate Quero into breakout territory.
The veteran wild card: Andrew Benintendi
Breakouts are not exclusive to youth.
Andrew Benintendi enters 2026 with something to prove.
His tenure in Chicago has produced uneven results relative to contract expectations.
Yet veteran hitters often rediscover rhythm in stable lineups.
If the young core provides protection and run production around him, Benintendi could benefit from more favorable pitch selection.
A rebound to his earlier All Star form would dramatically shift the perception of the roster’s offensive ceiling.
The true pick to click
While several candidates carry intrigue, the most likely leap forward in 2026 belongs to Colson Montgomery.
He combines opportunity, positional value, and developmental timing.
The White Sox need a face of the next era.
Montgomery is positioned to become it.
Rebuilds hinge on internal growth more than splashy additions.
If Montgomery transforms potential into sustained production, the South Side narrative changes quickly.
The 2026 season may not immediately vault Chicago into contention.
But it can deliver clarity.
And clarity often begins with one player stepping confidently into stardom.
