The White Sox have not gotten off to a great start in the 2026 season, as they are 0-2 and haven’t really been competitive in either game. I understand that it has only been two games so far, but the team was supposed to be much better than the last few years and that has certianly not been the case to start the new season.
However, there is still some hope, as the Charlotte Knights have gotten off to a great start. This should get fans excited, as they have been boosted by some fantastic performances by the White Sox top prospects.
The Knights feature an insane starting rotation, as they have Hagen Smith, Noah Schultz, Tanner McDougal, Duncan Davitt, and Jonathan Cannon. Three of these guys are top-100 on a lot of lists. Most minor league teams don’t have this kind of rotation.
The top three have given the Knights a huge boost, as each got off to a great start to the 2026 season. On Friday, Hagen Smith threw three innings of one run ball, striking out four, while walking one.
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Hagen Smith opened the season for the #Knights, taking the first 3 innings of game 1. Other than a 94MPH 358' HR he is mostly untouched. 3.0IP allowing 1R on 2H and 1BB with 4K's on 33k/48p. He does not figure in the decision as he left with a 4-1 lead. pic.twitter.com/SrE5gJ9JMV
— FutureSox (@FutureSox) March 28, 2026
Noah Schultz piggybacked Smith and looked just as good, if not better. In four hitless innings, Schultz struck out five batters while just walking one. This was very good to see after an up and down year 2025 season.
Noah Schultz takes the W (1-0) for the #Knights in the 19-2 blowout. He was unhittable. He goes 4 innings in relief of Hagen Smith on 28k/40p allowing just a BB which was erased by a GIDP. He strikes out 5 and hit 99.2MPH! Great way to start the season. pic.twitter.com/HoTFqyS23p
— FutureSox (@FutureSox) March 28, 2026
If that wasn’t enough, McDougal took the bump on Saturday and also had himself a great start. In four innings, he gave up two hits, one run, while striking out eight. He did walk four batters, but he was pretty much untouchable outside of that.
Tanner McDougal with a successful first outing in Charlotte. He goes 4 innings after dealing with some tough AB's in the 3rd. He allows 1R on 2H and 4BB while striking out 8 on 49k/82p. He gets a ND, leaving with a 1-1 tie. #Knights pic.twitter.com/1EaUMkbLBb
— FutureSox (@FutureSox) March 28, 2026
This trio is going to dominate AAA for as long as the White Sox let them, as if they keep this up over the next few months, they will find themselves doing this for the big league club. It may come even sooner if the White Sox pitching staff continues to struggle.
Outside of the pitching, the Knights also feature some very intriguing prospects like Sam Antonacci and William Bergolla, who both have been key contributors over the first two games. They are going to be a tough 1-2 punch at the top of the Knights lineup.
Additionally, the Knights have some very intriguing players that are no longer considered prospects. They have Jarred Kelenic, Drew Romo, LaMonte Wade Jr., Oliver Dunn, Tanner Murray, and Darren Baker among others. If the White Sox continue to scuffle, the Knights may the team in the White Sox organization to tune into.
