CHICAGO WHITE SOX

The White Sox endured a historic collapse in 2024, posting a 41-121 record—the most losses in modern MLB history—before improving to 60-102 in 2025 under new manager Will Venable. The December 2024 trade of ace Garrett Crochet to Boston brought back a prospect haul headlined by catcher Kyle Teel, outfielder Braden Montgomery, infielder Chase Meidroth, and pitcher Wikelman Gonzalez, all of whom reached the majors by 2026. Rookie shortstop Colson Montgomery debuted on July 4, 2025, and immediately heated up the card market by slugging 21 home runs in just 71 games, driving interest in his rookie cards as he emerged as a cornerstone power bat.

Where they stand: The White Sox sit at 55-51 and hold first place in the AL Central as of August 9, 2026, a remarkable turnaround from consecutive 100-loss seasons. Colson Montgomery has continued his breakout with 42 home runs and 102 RBI since the All-Star break, while Braden Montgomery has joined him in the majors and extended his on-base streak to 12 games. The team's young core, augmented by the Crochet trade returns and graduated prospects Edgar Quero and Kyle Teel, has positioned Chicago as a surprising contender in the playoff race.