The Chicago White Sox displayed their offensive strength with a 5-1 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Sunday at Sloan Park, powered by solo home runs from Edgar Quero, Braden Montgomery, Austin Hays, and Lenyn Sosa. This effort boosts the White Sox to 14 home runs so far in spring training, tying them for fifth place in the majors. The momentum highlights their focus on generating consistent power at the plate heading into the season.
Cubs’ Pitching and Lineup Updates During Spring Training
Chicago Cubs starter Shota Imanaga showed promising velocity improvements during his second spring start but was challenged by the White Sox hitters, surrendering three home runs in 2 2/3 innings. Following Imanaga, right-hander Jameson Taillon is scheduled to pitch against the Cincinnati Reds on Monday as part of his preparation before joining Team Canada for the World Baseball Classic (WBC).
Alex Bregman Ends Cubs’ Cactus League on a High Note
Third baseman Alex Bregman made a strong statement in his final Cactus League game before reporting for Team USA duties on Monday. Bregman blasted a home run off White Sox left-hander Anthony Kay in the first inning and later added a double and a walk. With a batting line of 5-for-11, two doubles, one homer, and no strikeouts through five games, Bregman’s sharp performance reflected his readiness for the regular season.
“I was fortunate to square a few up and also have good swing decisions in the last at-bat and take the walk. I feel like that’s a big part of my game is trying to swing at good pitches to hit, so really locking in on that and focusing on that, even here in spring training to prepare for the season.”
— Alex Bregman, Cubs Third Baseman
“It’s been great to get to know all the guys and really looking forward to having a great year with them. I feel like our team’s in a really good place right now. Guys are focused and locked in, ready for the season and preparing every day. It’s a great group and I’m very excited, and I think it’s going to be a fun year.”
— Alex Bregman, Cubs Third Baseman
Chase Meidroth Returns Strong with Consistency and Improved Mobility
Rookie outfielder Chase Meidroth, who tallied 114 hits in 2025—the sixth most for a White Sox rookie since 2000—started his 2026 spring campaign well with a double in his first at-bat against the Athletics on February 21. Meidroth focused heavily on durability and mobility during the offseason to maintain high performance throughout the long season.
“It’s fun getting back and playing with these guys again.”
— Chase Meidroth, White Sox Rookie Outfielder
“To be able to play 162 this year, the durability is a tool for myself and everyone in here. I did a lot of that. A little bit (of work) on my speed, get a little more motion on the bases for myself and put this team in some better spots there. Shorten my swing up at the plate and be as consistent as possible every day.”
— Chase Meidroth, White Sox Rookie Outfielder
White Sox manager Will Venable has praised Meidroth’s offseason work, noting visible improvements in his speed and flexibility.
“He looks great. Running, it looks like he’s faster. He looks more flexible and mobile and just functioning better. Credit to him.
I talked to him throughout the offseason. I know some of the things he was working on and some of the approach to getting better. It really started with him understanding his body more and understanding the things he needed to do to shape his body differently, move differently. Really excited for Chase.”
— Will Venable, White Sox Manager
“If you have yourself a really good offseason, it sets yourself up for the season very well. Just continuing that work — staying in the weight room, staying in the training room, staying on top of everything, staying on top of your body — puts you in a good spot to play all the way through November.”
— Chase Meidroth, White Sox Rookie Outfielder
Edgar Quero’s Offensive Production Highlights White Sox Spring
White Sox catcher Edgar Quero is leading the club with nine RBIs during spring training, tying for the most in the majors through Sunday. His contributions have been vital in the team’s firing offense during these exhibition games.
Prospects and Roster Developments Among Cubs and White Sox
On the Cubs’ side, young prospect Pedro Ramírez has drawn attention with his defensive proficiency at third base, potentially providing infield depth later this year. Ramírez earned the minor-league Gold Glove Award last season and spent 2025 at Double-A Knoxville, where he maintained a solid .280 batting average and a .732 OPS across 129 games. Manager Craig Counsell emphasized Ramírez’s defensive versatility as a key asset.
“Putting defenders on the field is something we’re always trying to do, and Pedro has certainly shown early in his career that he can handle himself defensively.”
— Craig Counsell, Cubs Manager
“As you break into the big leagues, sometimes you’re not going to just be handed a position. You’re probably going to have to move around, and where the opportunity happens is where you get to play. But the fact that he’s got that (Gold Glove Award) attached to him means he should be able to handle new positions and other positions.
Your job is to kind of make us say after this camp, when something happens, we can call on you.”
— Craig Counsell, Cubs Manager
Braden Montgomery’s Emerging Impact with White Sox
Outfielder Braden Montgomery made his presence felt during Sunday’s game against the Cubs. After taking a tough slider from Shota Imanaga for a strike, Montgomery stayed composed and launched his first spring training home run to left-center field. He added a triple later in the game and finished with two hits overall.
“I didn’t let that affect me. I’m still anticipating he’s going to come see me in the zone.”
— Braden Montgomery, White Sox Outfielder
“He came back with that (sweeper) and I saw it up that time and put a good swing on it.”
— Braden Montgomery, White Sox Outfielder
“Just a result of the work we’ve been putting in and the time we’ve been spending out here with our hitting coaches and just in general. It was enjoyable.”
— Braden Montgomery, White Sox Outfielder
Ranked as MLB’s No. 36 prospect, Montgomery, 22, is expected to begin the season in the minors but could earn consideration for a major league debut during 2026, following his strong progression through Double-A last year.
Upcoming Schedule Sets Stage for Crucial Spring Matchups
As spring training progresses, both teams face a busy week of games. The White Sox will open Monday against the Reds at 2:05 p.m. on Marquee, followed by contests against Team Italy, the Brewers, the Diamondbacks, Padres, Athletics, and Giants throughout the week. Similarly, the Cubs will host the Giants on Monday and face the Padres, Guardians, Diamondbacks, Mariners, and Royals on successive days, preparing their rosters for the regular season.
Notable Player Remarks and Team Spirit
Amid roster shifts due to World Baseball Classic commitments, clubhouse energy remains high for both squads. Alex Bregman provided praise for teammate Pete Crow-Armstrong, highlighting his passion and drive.
“He’s an extremely hard worker. He loves the game. He plays with a passion that’s contagious, and he brings an energy that is incredible to the room and is a superstar human being and player.”
— Alex Bregman, Cubs Third Baseman
Spring Gains Point Toward an Exciting Season Ahead
The White Sox’s combination of power hitters like Chase Meidroth and emerging stars such as Braden Montgomery signals a potent offense ready for 2026. Manager Will Venable’s enthusiasm about players’ physical development reinforces confidence in the team’s ability to sustain production over a full season. For the Cubs, the infusion of defensive-focused prospects like Pedro Ramírez and key veterans like Alex Bregman shapes a competitive path forward despite offseason challenges. With the World Baseball Classic temporarily drawing players away, both clubs are leveraging spring training momentum to build depth and sharpen skills.
Looking ahead, the White Sox’s continued display of power and speed during upcoming games will be critical in finalizing their starting lineup and roles. Meanwhile, the Cubs are balancing veteran leadership and young talent as they anticipate the regular season and the impact of their WBC participants. The intensity and passion exhibited by individuals like Chase Meidroth suggest an energized and determined atmosphere as both teams seek success this year.
