GLENDALE, Ariz. – There they stood, almost side by side with one empty bullpen mound between them – left-handers Noah Schultz and Hagen Smith.
The White Sox’ top pitching prospects, Schultz (No. 10 overall per Baseball America) and Smith (No. 40) rate among the three best lefties per Baseball America.
The pair, “a glimpse into the future,” general manager Chris Getz has been saying this winter, threw their first bullpens of spring training Thursday. Cameras all snapped videos and photos to be shared on social media.
For the Sox, it was a picture to behold for an organization that doesn’t want to look behind.
“Those guys are obviously a big part of this and a big part of our future and yeah, they are very impressive,” manager Will Venable said after Thursday’s Day 2 workouts.
Schultz was drafted 22nd overall in 2022, Smith fifth in 2024.
“Obviously, they have great stuff,” Venable said. “We know that about them. Saw them throw a bullpen in Chicago. At this point in camp, we’re not doing too much evaluating on the stuff and the execution in these bullpens. It’s really about communication with the catchers, talk about that pitcher-catcher relationship and how important it is.”
Both could make their debuts later in the season, likely in relief roles as a stepping stone to starting in 2026.
“I’m not worried about a timetable; I’m just worried about going out and competing, staying healthy this year and doing what I can,” Schultz said Thursday. “That’s a genuine answer. I know there is a plan in place.”
“It’s everyone’s goal to get here,” Smith said Thursday. “I just need to perform every time I pitch and try not to think about when I should move. Just do my job and everything will take care of itself.
“I’m excited to help this team win, once I’m ready to get up there.”
Karinchak has something to prove
The Sox took a flier on signing 29-year-old reliever James Karinchak, who enjoyed success as a Guardians reliever before shoulder problems kept him off the field in 2024, signing him to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. Karinchak owns a 3.10 ERA in 174 relief appearances with sizable strikeout (13.7 per nine innings) and walk (5.3) ratios.
“I’m excited,” Karinchak said. “I was hurt all last year so it’s exciting to be healthy and playing baseball. This was a great chance to get better and show I can play the game.”
It stands to reason that, should he be healthy and effective, Karinchak could be traded at the deadline. He has much to prove, first, but Karinchek said his bullpen on the first day of camp Wednesday went well, so that’s a start.
“I feel great,” he said.
“There are a lot of good guys here. I’m happy to be a part of it.”
Rotating DH
Venable does not have designated hitter pegged for one or two candidates but will spread DH assignments around.
“We are going to use it to get guys off their feet, to be able to match up defensively and to kind of leave that open as a way to do all those things,” Venable said.
Outfielders Andrew Benintendi and Luis Robert Jr., who haven’t DH’d much, could see more at-bats in the role than they’re accustomed to.
Benintendi arrived in camp Thursday, four days before the first full squad workout.