March 21, 2026 | Camelback Ranch, Glendale, AZ | 3:05 PM CT | MLB Network, NBC Sports Chicago
The Chicago White Sox (63–99 last year) face the Cincinnati Reds (79–83) in spring training today, and this is a matchup of two rebuilding teams at different stages. We lost 99 games. They lost 83. Both teams finished below .500, but they’re closer to competing because they have Elly De La Cruz.
The Reds have De La Cruz—one of the most electric young players in baseball. Hunter Greene throws 100 mph with nasty breaking stuff. Matt McLain is a solid young infielder. They’re building something around real talent.
We have Colson Montgomery hoping to become our version of Elly. Drew Thorpe trying to earn a rotation spot. Luis Robert Jr. trying to stay healthy. We’re hoping our prospects develop like Cincinnati’s have.
For White Sox fans, this is another measuring-stick game against a team that’s rebuilding but further along than we are.
Where the White Sox Stand (Still Rebuilding)
2025 Record: 63–99
Ninety-nine losses. We’re rebuilding, and it’s going to take years. Colson Montgomery is supposed to become our franchise cornerstone. Drew Thorpe is supposed to anchor the rotation. Luis Robert Jr. is supposed to stay healthy.
Key Players:
- Luis Robert Jr. (CF): Elite talent when healthy—just needs to be healthy
- Colson Montgomery (SS): Our top prospect, the entire rebuild depends on him
- 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, this time against Hunter Greene
- Edgar Quero (C): Young catcher with offensive upside
Drew Thorpe gets to face Hunter Greene today. Both are young pitchers, but Greene’s already established as a quality major league starter.
The Cincinnati Reds: Rebuilding With a Superstar
2025 Record: 79–83
The Reds lost 83 games but they’re building something around Elly De La Cruz. He’s already a superstar—67 stolen bases, 25 homers, ridiculous athleticism. Hunter Greene is a power pitcher with triple-digit heat. Matt McLain is a solid young infielder.
Key Players:
- Elly De La Cruz (SS): Dynamic superstar, 30-30+ potential, electric talent
- Hunter Greene (RHP): Power pitcher who throws 100 mph, gets the start today
- Matt McLain (INF): Solid young infielder who complements De La Cruz
Top Prospects:
- Noelvi Marte (INF): Young infielder trying to establish himself
- Cam Collier (3B): Power bat in the system
- Chase Petty (RHP): Pitching prospect with upside
The Reds are what we’re trying to become—rebuilding team with a legitimate franchise superstar. They found their guy in De La Cruz. We’re hoping Montgomery becomes ours.
The Matchups That Matter Today
| Position | White Sox | Reds |
|---|---|---|
| Shortstop | Colson Montgomery | Elly De La Cruz |
| Center Field | Luis Robert Jr. | TJ Friedl |
| Starting Pitcher | Drew Thorpe | Hunter Greene |
Colson Montgomery vs Elly De La Cruz at Shortstop
This is the story of the game. De La Cruz is already a superstar—67 steals, 25 homers, electric talent. Montgomery is trying to prove he can eventually reach that level. The gap is enormous right now.
Luis Robert Jr. vs TJ Friedl in Center Field
When healthy, Robert has way more talent than Friedl. But Friedl actually stays on the field and produces. That availability matters.
Drew Thorpe vs Hunter Greene on the Mound
Both are young pitchers with upside. Greene is more established with triple-digit heat and proven strikeout ability. Thorpe is trying to show he belongs. Greene should have the edge.
What the White Sox Need to See Today
Drew Thorpe Competes With Hunter Greene
Greene throws 100 mph with nasty stuff. Thorpe doesn’t need to match that velocity, but he needs to show he can compete with quality young pitching. Three or four solid innings would be progress.
Colson Montgomery Keeps Progressing
Against Elly De La Cruz and the Reds, Montgomery needs to show he’s on the right developmental path. Quality at-bats against Hunter Greene matter.
Luis Robert Jr. Stays Healthy
Just get through the game without injury. Opening Day is approaching. Stay on the field.
Bryan Ramos Shows He Belongs
Against the Reds’ pitching, show you can handle major league stuff. This is good competition to test yourself against.
Compete With a Team That’s Further Along
The Reds lost 83 games but they’re closer to competing than we are. If we can hang with them, that’s progress.
What Cincinnati Will Bring
Elly De La Cruz will do something ridiculous—a stolen base, a laser throw, maybe a moonshot homer. Hunter Greene will pump 100 mph fastballs with nasty breaking stuff. Matt McLain will work professional at-bats.
The Reds’ young talent is more developed than ours because they have De La Cruz. That one player changes everything.
White Sox Fan Prediction: Close Game, We Fall Short
Final Score: Reds 6, White Sox 4
Hunter Greene throws five solid innings with nine strikeouts, showing why he’s established. Drew Thorpe battles but gives up four runs in four innings—respectable but not dominant.
Colson Montgomery goes 1-for-3 and shows flashes. Luis Robert Jr. crushes a solo homer (then exits as a precaution, naturally).
Elly De La Cruz goes 2-for-4 with a stolen base and shows why he’s a superstar. The Reds’ depth and De La Cruz’s talent pull away late.
Two-run loss to a team that’s 16 games better than us. We compete, but they’re further along.
Why This Game Matters
The Reds lost 83 games but they’re building around a franchise superstar in Elly De La Cruz. We lost 99 games and are hoping Colson Montgomery becomes that for us.
Can Drew Thorpe compete with Hunter Greene? Will Montgomery keep progressing? Can Robert stay on the field?
Both teams are rebuilding, but Cincinnati’s further along because they have their franchise cornerstone. We’re still hoping Montgomery becomes ours.
We’ve still got a couple more spring games before Opening Day. Keep developing and trust the process.
Go Sox!!!