March 15, 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 again, and this is our second matchup with them this spring. We faced them earlier and will see them plenty during the regular season. Division rivals. AL Central opponents. And a chance to see how we stack up.
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 because they have Witt.
Brady Singer is a solid major league starter. Drew Thorpe is trying to earn 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 is another measuring-stick game against a division rival. Can we compete with Kansas City? Or are they still ahead of us in the rebuild?
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 Bobby Witt Jr. 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 against division rivals
- Edgar Quero (C): Young catcher with offensive upside
Drew Thorpe gets another chance against the Royals. We’ll face them 19 times this season. Can he compete with their lineup?
The Kansas City Royals: Bobby Witt Jr. and the Rebuild
2025 Record: 71–91
Kansas City lost 91 games, but they’re building something around Bobby Witt Jr. He’s already a superstar—30 homers, 30 steals, 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): Consistent starter with solid stuff
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. We’re hoping Montgomery becomes ours.
The Matchups That Matter Today
| 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 again. Witt is already an MVP candidate. Montgomery is trying to prove he can eventually reach that level. The gap is enormous, and this second matchup shows whether Montgomery’s made progress.
Luis Robert Jr. vs Kyle Isbel in Center
When healthy, Robert has way more talent. But Isbel actually stays on the field and contributes. That durability and consistency matters in division matchups.
Drew Thorpe vs Brady Singer on the Mound
Singer is an established major league starter. Thorpe is a prospect trying to earn a rotation spot. This is Thorpe’s second chance to prove himself against division competition.
What the White Sox Need to See Today
Drew Thorpe Shows Improvement Against the Royals
We faced Kansas City earlier this spring. Thorpe should show he’s learned from that outing. Three or four quality innings against a division rival we’ll face 19 times.
Colson Montgomery Keeps Progressing
Second matchup with Bobby Witt Jr. Montgomery doesn’t need to out-hit him (unrealistic), but show he’s improving and competitive with division rivals.
Luis Robert Jr. Stays Healthy
Just get through the game without injury. We’ve still got spring training games left and Opening Day approaching. Stay on the field.
Bryan Ramos Shows He’s Ready
Another chance against division competition. Show you can handle major league pitching from teams we’ll face all season.
Compete With a Division Rival
We’ll face the Royals 19 times this season. If we can’t compete with them in spring training, what does that say about the regular season?
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 consistent stuff. Salvador Pérez might crush one.
The Royals are further along because they have Witt. That one player changes everything for a division rival.
White Sox Fan Prediction: Close Game, We Fall Short
Final Score: Royals 5, White Sox 3
Brady Singer throws five solid innings. Drew Thorpe battles but gives up four runs in four innings—better than last time, but still not dominant.
Colson Montgomery goes 1-for-3 and shows some improvement from the first matchup. Luis Robert Jr. crushes a solo homer (then exits as a precaution, naturally).
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.
Two-run loss to a division rival. We compete, but they’re better right now.
Why This Game Matters
It’s a division rival we’ll face 19 times this season. Spring training shows whether we’re closing the gap or if they’re still clearly ahead.
The Royals have Bobby Witt Jr.—a franchise-changing player. We’re hoping Colson Montgomery becomes that. This second matchup shows the development gap.
Can Drew Thorpe compete with division rivals? Will Montgomery keep progressing? Can Robert stay on the field?
We’ll see the Royals plenty during the regular season. Spring training shows where both rebuilds stand.
Go Sox!!!