March 7, 2026 | Camelback Ranch, Glendale, AZ | 2:05 PM CT | MLB Network, NBC Sports Chicago
The Chicago White Sox (63–99 last year) close out spring training today against the Seattle Mariners (89–73, Wild Card team), and this is our last look at the rebuild before Opening Day. They made the playoffs. We lost 99 games. They have Julio Rodríguez, one of the most exciting young stars in baseball. We have Colson Montgomery, hoping to become one.
George Kirby is a proven ace with elite stuff. Drew Thorpe is trying to earn a rotation spot. Cal Raleigh anchors their lineup behind the plate. Luis Robert Jr. is trying to stay healthy long enough to anchor ours.
This is the final spring training game. After today, every loss counts. For White Sox fans who endured 99 losses last year, this is our last chance to see whether our young core is ready before reality hits.
Where the White Sox Stand (Still Deep in Rebuild)
2025 Record: 63–99
Ninety-nine losses. We were terrible. The front office tore it all down and committed to a painful rebuild that’ll take years to show results.
Spring training has been about development. Has Colson Montgomery shown he’s ready to be our everyday shortstop? Does Drew Thorpe have the stuff to survive in a major league rotation? Can Luis Robert Jr. stay healthy for once?
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 the young pitchers
Top Prospects:
- Bryan Ramos (3B): Power bat trying to force his way onto the roster
- Drew Thorpe (RHP): Gets the final spring start, needs to show he’s ready
- Edgar Quero (C): Young catcher with offensive upside
Drew Thorpe gets the final spring start today. Against a playoff-caliber Mariners lineup, can he compete? Does he deserve an Opening Day rotation spot? Today answers those questions.
The Seattle Mariners: Playoff Team on the Rise
2025 Record: 89–73 (Wild Card)
Seattle made the playoffs last year behind elite pitching and Julio Rodríguez’s superstar talent. George Kirby is one of the best young pitchers in the American League. Cal Raleigh provides power behind the plate. And their pitching development is elite.
Key Players:
- Julio Rodríguez (CF): Five-tool superstar, 30-30 potential, franchise cornerstone
- Cal Raleigh (C): Power-hitting catcher who anchors the lineup
- George Kirby (RHP): Strikeout machine with elite stuff, getting the start
Top Prospects:
- Harry Ford (C): Catching prospect with upside
- Cole Young (SS): Versatile infielder trying to establish himself
- Emerson Hancock (RHP): Pitching prospect pushing for rotation spot
The Mariners are what we’re trying to become—playoff team with homegrown stars, strong pitching, and sustainable success. They developed Julio. We’re hoping Montgomery becomes our version of that.
The Matchups That Actually Matter
| Position | White Sox | Mariners |
|---|---|---|
| Shortstop | Colson Montgomery | Cole Young |
| Center Field | Luis Robert Jr. | Julio Rodríguez |
| Starting Pitcher | Drew Thorpe | George Kirby |
Colson Montgomery vs Cole Young at Shortstop
Both are young shortstops with upside. Montgomery is our top prospect with higher offensive ceiling. Young is versatile and solid. Montgomery should have the edge if he’s ready.
Luis Robert Jr. vs Julio Rodríguez in Center Field
When healthy, Robert has similar talent to Julio. But Julio actually stays on the field and produces every single year. That consistency and durability is the difference between potential and superstardom.
Drew Thorpe vs George Kirby on the Mound
Kirby is an established ace with elite strikeout stuff and playoff experience. Thorpe is a prospect trying to prove he belongs. The gap is massive, and Thorpe’s about to face the toughest test of his spring.
What the White Sox Need to See Today
Drew Thorpe Competes Against a Playoff Lineup
Seattle’s lineup made the playoffs. Thorpe needs to show he can compete with that level. Three or four innings with command and competitive at-bats would be a successful finish to spring.
Colson Montgomery Finishes Spring Strong
Montgomery’s had a solid spring. Today, one final quality performance against playoff-caliber competition sends him to Chicago with confidence. Quality at-bats, smooth defense, smart play.
Luis Robert Jr. Stays Healthy
It’s the last spring game. Just get through it without injury. That’s all that matters. If Robert can give us a full season, everything changes. If not, we’re stuck hoping Montgomery becomes our best player immediately.
Bryan Ramos Shows He Belongs
Ramos has power, but can he handle quality pitching from guys like Kirby? Final chance to prove he’s ready for the majors.
Head to Chicago Ready for Opening Day
Spring training is over. The real games start soon. Just finish healthy and head north ready for the long season ahead.
What Seattle Will Bring
Julio Rodríguez will do something spectacular—elite speed, power, defense. George Kirby will dominate with elite command and strikeout stuff. Cal Raleigh might crush one because that’s what he does.
The Mariners’ playoff experience and organizational excellence will test us one final time. They’re a well-oiled machine. We’re still assembling the parts.
White Sox Fan Prediction: We Get Handled
Final Score: Mariners 7, White Sox 4
George Kirby dominates for five innings with nine strikeouts, making our hitters look completely overmatched. Drew Thorpe battles but gives up five runs in four innings—respectable against a playoff team, but not competitive.
Colson Montgomery goes 1-for-3 with a single and finishes spring decently. Luis Robert Jr. crushes a solo homer (then exits as a precaution, naturally).
Julio Rodríguez goes 3-for-4 with a stolen base and reminds everyone why he’s a superstar. Seattle’s depth and playoff experience overwhelm us.
We compete for a few innings. Then reality hits. Three-run loss feels generous.
Why This Final Spring Game Matters
The scoreboard doesn’t matter. But seeing our prospects compete one last time before Opening Day does.
Can Drew Thorpe earn a rotation spot with a quality performance? Will Colson Montgomery show he’s ready to be our everyday shortstop? Can Luis Robert Jr. stay healthy?
Seattle represents what we’re trying to build—playoff team with homegrown superstars like Julio Rodríguez. They develop talent and compete every year. We’re years away from that.
Spring training is over after today. The losses start counting for real. And we need our young core to be ready for 162 games of development and growing pains.
Go Sox!!! Finish spring and get ready for a long season ahead.