Lenyn Sosa emerged as a key offensive force for the Chicago White Sox in 2025, leading the team with 22 home runs while splitting his time primarily between second and first base. As the team’s infield roster begins to solidify, questions remain about how the White Sox will best position Sosa to maximize his impact at the plate and in the field. The focus remains on integrating his strengths to bolster the lineup throughout the upcoming season.
Positional Roles and Competition Within the Infield
Last season, Sosa appeared in 99 games at second base, starting 85, and also took the field at first base in 42 games, starting 35 of those. He added time as a designated hitter in 11 games and saw limited action at third base in three games. However, the 2026 spring lineup signals upcoming shifts, as Munetaka Murakami is expected to handle much of the first base duties, while Miguel Vargas is penciled in at third. Middle infield responsibilities are likely to fall to Colson Montgomery at shortstop and Chase Meidroth at second base.
With designated hitter roles potentially rotating among Andrew Benintendi, Kyle Teel, and Edgar Quero, securing consistent opportunities for Sosa is a challenge the White Sox face. Manager Will Venable emphasized the importance of ensuring Sosa’s bat stays in the lineup, noting his value as a consistent offensive threat.
“He was one of our best hitters last year, somebody that you kind of think of him as instant offense,”
Venable said.
“He can do a lot of things at the plate and help you win ballgames in different ways. So, he’s going to be a guy that we’ve got to find at-bats for.”
Spring Training Performance and Defensive Adaptability
During spring training, Sosa took the field at third base, including a start in a 12-10 victory over the Seattle Mariners. He expressed confidence in adapting to the position, which he is familiar with from his past major league experience.
“It’s good, I felt very good yesterday at third base,”
Sosa shared through an interpreter.
“It’s a position I’m used to. It’s just a matter of getting the reps and more game action to really feel 100 percent there, too.”
Sosa’s defensive experience spans multiple positions, with 54 starts at third base over four major league seasons and 172 starts at second base. Venable noted the flexibility Sosa offers:
“(He’s) another guy where we will try to find how it all fits together and see what it looks like. He didn’t touch third base a ton last year, but has in the past. So, we want to make sure he’s able to do that as well as second and first, too.”
Offensive Growth and Commitment to Improvement
In addition to leading the White Sox in home runs, Sosa also set career highs in hits (137) and RBIs (75) last season, underscoring his offensive value. Reflecting on his recent success, he said,
“I truly enjoyed the results because the process wasn’t easy. You go through ups and downs, but you have to stay true to yourself and I was able to do that. I enjoyed every part, just knowing the hard work, the dedication and your routine is going to get you to the point where you want to be and I was able to prove that.”
His approach to improving his game remains focused and determined.
“My goal, my mindset every year, is to get better,”
he said.
“To improve my game all around, trying to find ways to help this team win games. And that’s my focus.”
He also highlighted the importance of daily progress:
“I don’t really pay attention to what my role is. It’s just trying to get better every day and do the best for me every day.”
Defensive Development a Priority for Sosa
Sosa’s defensive consistency has been an area targeted for growth, especially following 10 errors at second base last season, a total tied for second-worst in the American League. Winter league play in Venezuela provided an opportunity for focused work across multiple infield positions.
“The focus was on my defense, I worked on my defense to improve my range,”
he explained.
“I worked a lot on my first step (defensively) being faster. And in order to do that, I do different drills to be more agile. It helped me.”
This emphasis on defense carries into spring training, where Sosa is building reps at first, second, and third base to gain comfort and versatility on the field.
“Offensively, (I’m working on) just getting my timing and obviously getting comfortable with it,”
he said.
“Defensively, just being ready to play third, second and first, because those are the positions I’m going to be playing at. Just getting those reps and feeling comfortable at those positions.”
Outlook for Sosa’s Role on the Team and Future Contribution
Sosa’s determination to become a more complete player is clear, as he seeks to combine his offensive talents with improved defense to enhance his overall value.
“There’s room for that, I know I can do it,”
he stated.
“And also improve my defense just to become that complete player that I know I can be and that I want to be.”
As the White Sox continue shaping their infield and lineup for the upcoming season, maintaining Lenyn Sosa’s presence in the batting order will be crucial. His blend of power, versatility, and dedication positions him as a vital contributor whose development could significantly influence the team’s success moving forward.
