This Spring Training is a bit different from the last few years, as there is a bit more set in stone on the 26-man roster. However, there are certainly still some key positional battles. For the first time in what seems like a very a long time, there aren’t roster battles at practically every position, as the White Sox likely have their starting lineup locked up. However, there are still a few backup spots in the infield and outfield up for grabs, as well as a few spots in the bullpen.
As we get closer to the regular season, we will look at each fringe roster player and their chances to make the team out of Spring Training. The next player we will take a look at is infielder Curtis Mead. Mead was acquired at the 2025 trade deadline, when the White Sox traded starting pitcher Adrian Houser to the Tampa Bay Rays. Mead was the headliner in the return, as he was a former top-100 prospect.
Mead started out in AAA with the Charlotte Knights after the trade, but quickly made his way up to Chicago to make his debut for the White Sox. Mead had a strong month of August for the White Sox, as he hit .258 with a .312 on-base percentage. He added seven RBIs and one stolen base. This was a solid start for him, as he hadn’t had much consistent playing time in the major leagues.
Mead continued his nice start into the first week of September, as he strung together nine hits over the first five games. Unfortunately, Mead hit a cold streak, as he only had six more hits from September 6th to September 28th. This tanked his average, as it fell to .220 in the month of September. However, Mead flashed his ability to be a productive major league player.
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Mead has gotten off to a solid start in Spring Training, as before today’s game, he was 3 for 12 with two RBIs. In today’s game, he was one for three with a solo homerun.
Curtis Mead is ready for the World Baseball Classic! pic.twitter.com/jRuKu5Udfd
— Just Another Year: White Sox (@JAYChi_WhiteSox) February 26, 2026
This is a nice start for Mead, as he has kept up his spot in the infield competition. However, Mead is out of minor league options, so if he does not make the team, another organization can pick him up when he’s placed on waivers. With his solid play in 2025 and his former prospect status, a team is very likely to do that. That gives the White Sox an interesting decision to make.
What makes things interesting is the fact that Mead is going to be playing for team Australia in the World Baseball Classic. While he will likely get consistent at-bats for team Australia, that won’t be coming in front of the White Sox coaches. I’m sure they will be paying attention to Mead’s performance in the WBC, but they aren’t getting to interact with him everyday.
I’m not sure if Mead playing in the WBC will hurt or help his chances at a roster spot, but I believe he should be on the roster. It may be a foregone conclusion that Mead is on the team due to the fact that he is playing in the WBC, because I can’t imagine he would play if his spot was in jeopardy. I would put his chances at about 95% to make the team, especially because he was a Chris Getz acquisition.
However, I could see a scenario where a team reaches out for a potential trade involving Mead, as other players in Spring Training could fill in as a backup infielder/utility role. If the White Sox got a decent offer, I could see them accepting that, but I would like to see Mead get an opportunity with the White Sox. However, with the crowded infield there may be some tough decisions to make.
