March 14, 2026 | Camelback Ranch, Glendale, AZ | 2:05 PM CT | MLB Network, NBC Sports Chicago
The Chicago White Sox (63–99 last year) face the Los Angeles Dodgers (94–68, NL West champs) in spring training today, and this is the ultimate measuring stick. They won 94 games and the division. We lost 99 games and finished last in the AL Central. The gap between us is massive.
The Dodgers have Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman—two of the best players in baseball. Walker Buehler is a proven ace. They’re deep, talented, and always competing for championships.
We have Colson Montgomery hoping to become a star. Drew Thorpe trying to earn a rotation spot. Luis Robert Jr. trying to stay healthy. We’re years away from competing with teams like the Dodgers.
For White Sox fans, this is just reality. We’re rebuilding. They’re winning. But at least we get to see how our prospects stack up against the best.
Where the White Sox Stand (Still at Rock Bottom)
2025 Record: 63–99
Ninety-nine losses. The rebuild is real, painful, and going to take years. Colson Montgomery is supposed to save us. 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, needs to keep progressing
- Edgar Quero (C): Young catcher with offensive upside
Drew Thorpe gets to face the Dodgers today. This is what facing elite competition looks like.
The Los Angeles Dodgers: Perennial Powerhouse
2025 Record: 94–68 (NL West Champions)
The Dodgers won 94 games and the NL West. They’re always competing for championships. Mookie Betts does everything at an elite level. Freddie Freeman is a consistent MVP candidate. Walker Buehler is healthy and dominant again.
Key Players:
- Mookie Betts (SS/Utility): Former MVP, does everything at an elite level
- Freddie Freeman (1B): Consistent MVP candidate, elite hitter
- Walker Buehler (RHP): Ace-level starter when healthy, gets the start
Top Prospects:
- Dalton Rushing (C): Catching prospect with upside
- Diego Cartaya (C): Another catching prospect in their deep system
- Gavin Stone (RHP): Pitching prospect developing
The Dodgers are what smart organizations look like. They win. They develop talent. They compete every year. We’re trying to get there, but we’re a decade behind.
The Matchups That Matter Today
| Position | White Sox | Dodgers |
|---|---|---|
| Shortstop | Colson Montgomery | Mookie Betts |
| Center Field | Luis Robert Jr. | James Outman |
| Starting Pitcher | Drew Thorpe | Walker Buehler |
Colson Montgomery vs Mookie Betts
Montgomery is our top prospect trying to prove he’s ready. Betts is a former MVP and one of the best players alive. The gap is enormous.
Luis Robert Jr. vs James Outman in Center
When healthy, Robert has elite talent. Outman is solid and productive. Robert has more upside if he can stay on the field.
Drew Thorpe vs Walker Buehler on the Mound
Buehler is a proven ace with playoff success. Thorpe is a prospect trying to earn a rotation spot. Thorpe’s about to face one of the best lineups in baseball.
What the White Sox Need to See Today
Drew Thorpe Competes Against the Dodgers
The Dodgers are one of the best teams in baseball. Thorpe doesn’t need to dominate (unrealistic), but he needs to show he can compete. Three or four innings without getting shelled would be progress.
Colson Montgomery Keeps Progressing
Against Buehler and the Dodgers’ pitching, Montgomery needs to show he can compete with elite talent. Quality at-bats matter more than results against this level.
Luis Robert Jr. Stays Healthy
Just get through the game without injury. We’ve got more spring games left. Stay on the field.
Bryan Ramos Shows He Belongs
Against the Dodgers’ pitching, show you can handle major league stuff. This is what real competition looks like.
Don’t Get Completely Embarrassed
The Dodgers are 31 games better than us. They’re going to win. But if we can compete for a few innings, that’s something.
What Los Angeles Will Bring
Mookie Betts will do something spectacular because that’s what MVPs do. Freddie Freeman will work professional at-bats. Walker Buehler will probably dominate our young hitters.
The Dodgers’ organizational excellence and championship culture will be on full display. They’re everything we’re not.
White Sox Fan Prediction: We Get Handled
Final Score: Dodgers 7, White Sox 3
Walker Buehler throws five scoreless innings, making our hitters look completely overmatched. Drew Thorpe battles but gives up five runs in four innings—respectable given the competition, but not competitive.
Colson Montgomery goes 1-for-3 and looks overmatched at times against elite pitching. Luis Robert Jr. crushes a solo homer (then exits as a precaution, naturally).
Mookie Betts goes 3-for-4 with a stolen base. Freddie Freeman drives in three. The Dodgers’ depth and talent overwhelm us completely.
Four-run loss feels generous. We’re 31 games worse than them for a reason.
Why This Game Matters (Kind Of)
The Dodgers won 94 games and the division. We lost 99 and finished last. This game just shows the gap between championship teams and rebuilding disasters.
Can Drew Thorpe compete with Walker Buehler? Will Colson Montgomery show he can handle elite pitching? Can Luis Robert Jr. stay on the field?
The Dodgers represent what we’re trying to become—championship-caliber organization that wins every year. We’re hoping our rebuild gets us there eventually.
Go Sox!!!