While the White Sox improved from 2024-2025, they were still one of the worst teams in the league, at least according to their record. However, especially in the second half, they looked much better and they will look to build on that momentum going into 2026.
This lead to the White Sox winning the draft lottery and grabbing the first overall pick, which could lead to them getting one of the best draft-eligible prospects over the last decade. But, as we go into 2026, the White Sox aren’t quite ready to compete for the playoffs.
This allows the White Sox to try out some players that might not get an opportunity on a playoff team, as they can live with some struggles from a player, if it could potentially lead to breakout down the road. The White Sox have already made a few moves like this, as they have acquired outfielders Everson Pereira and Tristian Peters from the Tampa Bay Rays.
However, there is now another outfielder that the White Sox should take a chance on, as the Cleveland Guardians recently designated outfielder Jhonkensy “Big Christmas” Noel for assignment, allowing another team to trade for him or claim him on waivers.
The Guardians have designated Jhonkensy Noel for assignment, the team announced. pic.twitter.com/QEQu997618
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) December 17, 2025
White Sox fans should be familiar with Noel, as he has flashed his light tower power against the White Sox over his short major league career. While he struggled last season, he has showcased power that very few major league players have.
In 69 games in 2025, Noel hit just .162 with a .183 OBP, but he added six homeruns and 13 RBIs. This was one of the reasons he was designated for assignment, but he showed promise in his rookie campaign in 2024.
Jhonkensy Noel, 24, is a slam-dunk waiver claim.
Out-of-options but absurd raw power and plus-plus swing characteristics.
Relatively average defense w/ a plus arm, and he's shown better plate discipline in the MiLB than he has at the MLB level. https://t.co/2GgdBwTT7i pic.twitter.com/rb0J5RNJl1
— Remi Bunikiewicz (@RBunikiewicz) December 17, 2025
In 67 games in 2024, he hit .218 with a .288 OBP, adding 13 homeruns and 28 RBIs. While the average and the OBP aren’t exactly where you want them to be, he showcased his 30+ homerun potential. Unfortunately he did not improve on his solid MLB debut in 2025, but perhaps a change of scenery could tap into his power potential.
In Noel’s minor league career, he has hit a total of 124 homeruns in just 579 games, which contributes to his very good .825 OPS. This is in part due to his 2022 season where he hit 32 homeruns and his 2023 season where he hit 27 homeruns.
While the swing and miss and lower average may be real concerns, the power should intrigue the White Sox to take a flier claim on waivers, as they would lose nothing by placing a claim on him. The White Sox could desperately use a guy that has the potential to hit 30+ homeruns in the middle of the lineup, especially if they come with a cheaper price tag.
