March 8, 2026 | Camelback Ranch, Glendale, AZ | 2:05 PM CT | MLB Network, NBC Sports Chicago
The Chicago White Sox (63–99 last year) face the Kansas City Royals (71–91) in spring training today, and this is a good measuring-stick game. Division rivals. AL Central opponents we’ll face 19 times during the regular season. And we’ll see them again on March 15th before Opening Day.
The Royals have Bobby Witt Jr.—one of the best young players in baseball. We have Colson Montgomery—hoping to become that. They won 71 games last year. We won 63. Both teams were terrible, but they’re closer to competing.
Brady Singer is a solid major league starter. Drew Thorpe is trying to prove he deserves a rotation spot. Salvador Pérez is a future Hall of Famer. Luis Robert Jr. is trying to stay healthy long enough to matter.
For White Sox fans, this shows whether we’re closing the gap on teams like Kansas City or if we’re still the worst team in the division.
Where the White Sox Stand (Still at the Bottom)
2025 Record: 63–99
Ninety-nine losses. Worst in the AL Central. Worst in the American League. One of the worst seasons in franchise history.
The rebuild is real, and it’s painful. Colson Montgomery is supposed to save us. Drew Thorpe is supposed to anchor the rotation. Luis Robert Jr. is supposed to stay healthy. That’s a lot of “supposed to.”
Key Players:
- Luis Robert Jr. (CF): Elite talent when healthy—emphasis on “when healthy”
- Colson Montgomery (SS): Our top prospect, franchise cornerstone, rebuild centerpiece
- Erick Fedde (SP): Veteran arm who mentors young pitchers
Top Prospects:
- Bryan Ramos (3B): Power bat trying to prove he’s ready
- Drew Thorpe (RHP): Gets another start, needs to keep showing he belongs
- Edgar Quero (C): Young catcher with offensive upside
Drew Thorpe gets another chance today. Against a division rival we’ll face all season, can he compete? Does he have major league stuff?
The Kansas City Royals: Still Bad, But Less Bad
2025 Record: 71–91
Kansas City lost 91 games, but they’re building something around Bobby Witt Jr. He’s a legitimate superstar—30-30 potential, elite defense, franchise cornerstone. Everything we hope Montgomery becomes, Witt already is.
Key Players:
- Bobby Witt Jr. (SS): Superstar, 30-30 guy, one of baseball’s best young players
- Salvador Pérez (C): Future Hall of Famer, veteran leader
- Brady Singer (RHP): Solid starter with consistency
Top Prospects:
- Cayden Wallace (3B): Developmental third baseman
- Ben Kudrna (RHP): Pitching prospect with upside
- Carter Jensen (C): Young catcher in the system
The Royals are what we’re trying to become—rebuilding team with a legitimate franchise superstar. They found their guy in Witt. We’re hoping Montgomery becomes ours.
The Matchups That Actually Matter
| Position | White Sox | Royals |
|---|---|---|
| Shortstop | Colson Montgomery | Bobby Witt Jr. |
| Center Field | Luis Robert Jr. | Kyle Isbel |
| Starting Pitcher | Drew Thorpe | Brady Singer |
Colson Montgomery vs Bobby Witt Jr. at Shortstop
This is the story of the game. Witt is already a superstar—30 homers, 30 steals, elite defense, MVP candidate. Montgomery is trying to prove he can eventually reach that level. The gap is enormous right now.
Luis Robert Jr. vs Kyle Isbel in Center
When healthy, Robert has way more talent than Isbel. But Isbel actually stays on the field and contributes. That durability matters.
Drew Thorpe vs Brady Singer on the Mound
Singer is an established major league starter with consistency. Thorpe is a prospect trying to earn a rotation spot. Singer should have the edge.
What the White Sox Need to See Today
Drew Thorpe Competes Against Division Rivals
We’ll face the Royals 19 times this season and again on March 15th. Thorpe needs to show he can compete with their lineup. Three or four quality innings would build confidence.
Colson Montgomery Competes With Bobby Witt Jr.
Montgomery doesn’t need to out-hit Witt (unrealistic—Witt’s a superstar). But he needs to show he belongs on the same field. Quality at-bats, smooth defense, smart play.
Luis Robert Jr. Stays Healthy
Just get through the game without injury. We’ve got more spring games ahead, including another matchup with Kansas City on the 15th.
Bryan Ramos Shows He’s Ready
Another chance to prove he deserves an Opening Day roster spot. Show you can handle major league pitching.
Continue Building Momentum
We’ve still got games left in spring training, including a rematch with these same Royals. Use today to build confidence and momentum.
What Kansas City Will Bring
Bobby Witt Jr. will do something spectacular because that’s what superstars do. Brady Singer will challenge our hitters with solid pitching. Salvador Pérez might crush one because he’s still productive.
The Royals are further along in their rebuild because they have Witt. That one player makes all the difference.
White Sox Fan Prediction: Close Game, We Fall Short
Final Score: Royals 6, White Sox 4
Brady Singer throws five solid innings with quality stuff. Drew Thorpe battles but gives up four runs in four innings—respectable but not dominant.
Colson Montgomery goes 1-for-3 and looks overmatched against quality pitching at times. Luis Robert Jr. crushes a solo homer (then exits as a precaution, because that’s what always happens).
Bobby Witt Jr. goes 2-for-4 with a stolen base and reminds everyone why he’s a superstar. Kansas City’s experience and Witt’s talent pull away late.
We compete for a while. Then reality hits. Two-run loss sounds about right.
Why This Game Matters
It’s a division rival we’ll face 19 times this season, plus again on March 15th. If we can’t compete with Kansas City now, what does that say about the regular season?
The Royals have Bobby Witt Jr.—a legitimate franchise superstar. We’re hoping Colson Montgomery becomes that. Today shows how far Montgomery has to go.
We’ve still got spring training games ahead, but this is a key evaluation against division competition.
Go Sox!!!