GLENDALE, Ariz. — Everson Pereira has quickly drawn attention during the White Sox’s spring training camp as the team searches for its next starting outfielder. The 24-year-old outfielder, who has spent seven minor league seasons within the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays organizations, is looking to build on his power-hitting reputation by making an impact at the major league level.
Despite limited success in the majors—batting only .146 with two home runs over 158 at-bats—Pereira is confident that this spring could bring a breakthrough after years of effort to improve his performance against major league pitching.
Progress and Optimism in Pereira’s Approach to the Majors
Speaking at Camelback Ranch, Pereira reflected on the challenges he has faced transitioning his minor league success to the big leagues.
I’ve been working on that for the last two, three years, just trying to translate that [success] to the majors,
he said.
But I definitely feel that this time, this year is going to be better. I feel more accomplished, I know better because of the experiences I’ve had before and that’s something I’m going to be able to translate to this year.
His dedication and mindset have gained positive remarks from White Sox manager Will Venable, who praised Pereira’s thoughtful movement and disciplined batting approach in the outfield and at the plate.
Seeing him run around in the outfield a little bit, certainly like how he goes about it from his pre-pitch setup and first step stuff,
Venable said.
He’s a guy who is really thoughtful about the way he moves out there. Just at the plate, a really sound approach. Not a lot going on with his moves, really simple and he’s getting the barrel to the ball a lot.
Outfield Competition Narrows as Roster Takes Shape
The outfield lineup is evolving after the departure of center fielder Luis Robert Jr. and anticipated limited availability of Andrew Benintendi due to offseason recovery from an Achilles tendon injury. Veterans Luisangel Acuña and Austin Hays are expected to fill center field and corner positions, respectively, leaving Pereira to compete with Brooks Baldwin, Derek Hill, and Jarred Kelenic for the role of a fourth outfielder.
Increased Playing Time for World Baseball Classic Participants
Manager Venable announced that several players headed to the upcoming World Baseball Classic will receive more game time during spring camp. New corner infielder Munetaka Murakami, along with Kyle Teel, Sam Antonacci, and Curtis Mead, will start in the season opener against the Cubs on Friday. This strategy provides them an opportunity to gain additional experience before departing camp to represent their respective national teams.
Teel and Antonacci will compete for Team Italy, Murakami for Team Japan, Mead for Team Australia, and Seranthony Dominguez, who is not pitching in Friday’s game, for the Dominican Republic.
Top Draft Prospect Roch Cholowsky Continues Strong Start at UCLA
Meanwhile, Roch Cholowsky, the anticipated top pick in the 2026 MLB Draft, has proven his potential with a powerful opening to his college season. The UCLA shortstop hit two homers in a recent win, finishing the game with multiple hits and producing three RBIs and four runs scored.
In only four games, Cholowsky maintains a .438 batting average, complemented by three home runs, three doubles, five RBIs, and nine runs, highlighting his status as one of the most promising young talents in baseball.
Implications for the White Sox Season Ahead
Everson Pereira’s progress at the White Sox camp marks an encouraging sign as the team undergoes a period of transition in its outfield lineup. With veteran leadership shifting and key players participating in international competition, camp performances will be crucial in shaping the roster. Pereira’s determined approach and managers’ confidence indicate the Venezuelan outfielder could play a pivotal role this season while competing alongside teammates like Luisangel Acuña and Austin Hays to solidify the team’s defensive and offensive options in the outfield.
