White Sox Spring Training Begins: A First Look at the 2026 Contenders
Chicago baseball fans, the wait is over! Spring Training is officially here, and the White Sox are gearing up for the 2026 season. The excitement begins this Friday with a highly anticipated matchup against their crosstown rivals, the Chicago Cubs.
Cubs vs. White Sox: A Spring Training Showdown
The two teams will kick off their spring training schedules against each other at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona – the Cubs’ spring training home. For fans eager to catch the action, there are plenty of options. You can stream the game live, tune in on TV, or listen on the radio. This crosstown showdown promises a taste of the baseball season to come.
Game Details:
- First Pitch: 2:05 p.m. Central Time
- TV Broadcast: Marquee Sports Network (Cubs)
- Radio Broadcast (Cubs): 104.3 FM The Score
- Radio Broadcast (White Sox): ESPN 1000
Pitching Preview: Cannon vs. Taillon
The White Sox will be sending right-handed pitcher Jonathan Cannon to the mound to start the game. Cannon is looking to build on his 2023 season (4-10 with a 5.82 ERA) and solidify his place in the team’s pitching rotation for the upcoming season. This spring training will be crucial for him to demonstrate his potential.
Facing Cannon will be Cubs’ pitcher Jameson Taillon. Taillon had a strong 2023 campaign, going 11-7 in 23 starts with a 3.68 ERA and 98 strikeouts in 129.2 innings. This matchup will be a great test for both pitchers as they prepare for the regular season. You can find more information about MLB pitchers at MLB.com.
Murakami’s Highly Anticipated Debut
One of the biggest storylines surrounding the White Sox this spring is the arrival of Japanese slugger Shota Murakami. According to White Sox manager Will Venable, Murakami will be in the lineup for Friday’s game. Murakami brings a powerful bat to the South Side, having blasted 24 home runs in just 69 games last season in Japan. Fans are eager to see how his power translates to Major League Baseball and how he can revitalize the White Sox lineup.
More White Sox Spring Training Action
White Sox fans won’t have to wait long for more televised action. The team’s home opener at Camelback Ranch on Saturday will be broadcast on CHSN, also starting at 2:05 p.m. Central Time. Spring Training is the perfect opportunity to get a first look at the team’s new additions and see how they’re shaping up for the 2026 season.
Stay tuned for more updates on White Sox Spring Training as the season progresses!
