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The DJ Moore Trade Continues Getting Tons Of Praise. But For The Wrong Reason

By
Erik Lambert
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dj moore
Jul 23, 2025; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore (2) warms up during training camp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

The Chicago Bears traded wide receiver DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills in March, collecting a 2nd round pick in return. Nationally, it was received with shock and praise. Experts couldn’t believe general manager Ryan Poles finessed another team for compensation that high. In most circumstances, the best the Bears probably could’ve hoped for was a couple of mid-round picks. Landing a day two pick was massive. Even now, months later, the nods of approval keep flowing in from various outlets.

Most recently, ESPN called it the best move Chicago made all offseason. It wasn’t just that they got the 2nd rounder, it was that they managed to do it before his contract became even more expensive than it already was.

“Chicago Bears: B+

Biggest move: Trading WR DJ Moore to the Bills
Move I liked: The Moore trade
Move I disliked: Not adding at edge

Chicago opened its second offseason of the Ben Johnson era with a strong value trade, getting a second-round pick for Moore and a fifth-round selection. That might not sound incredible, but consider the situation. Moore was coming off consecutive disappointing seasons and the extension he signed prior to the 2024 campaign is really kicking into gear only now. Even though there are hefty cash salaries remaining on the contract, the Bears somehow got the Bills to give up real draft capital to take that money off Chicago’s books.”

Money was the primary driving force in this decision. Chicago had cap space issues. Moore was one of the biggest contracts they could trade. Nobody could argue the logic. That said, people are still missing what makes this trade so encouraging.

The Bears kept emotion out of the DJ Moore situation.

You have to understand the context here. Yes, Moore had one of his worst statistical seasons in years in 2025. Finishing under 700 yards is unacceptable for somebody making almost $30 million a year. However, Moore was also responsible for two of the most memorable and emotional catches in Bears franchise history. The first came in overtime to beat the Green Bay Packers last December, handing Chicago the division lead. Then, a few weeks later, he scored the go-ahead touchdown in the wild card playoff game to beat the Packers again.

Bears fans will be replaying those catches in their heads for decades to come. Why does that matter? Previous regimes would have noted the impact Moore had and been reluctant to give him up, knowing what he means to the fanbase. They would have found a way to make the money work, even if it wasn’t in the team’s best long-term interests. Not this time. Poles and head coach Ben Johnson didn’t let emotion enter into an important roster decision. They kept it professional, looking at the whole rather than just two snapshots.

Moore couldn’t escape the facts.

He was outstanding in 2023, posting over 1300 receiving yards. Since then, he has steadily declined. This came despite the quarterback and then the head coach being upgraded. He had just 1,648 yards over the past two seasons. You can’t blame injuries. DJ Moore didn’t miss a single game in that time span. Targets? He had more in 2024 than in 2023. For whatever reason, he stopped producing at a high level. Meanwhile, Jakobi Meyers, who’s making $8 million per year less, had more yards over that same time span.

The Bears made the right decision. Maybe Moore will rebound in Buffalo. That doesn’t matter. It doesn’t change the fact that his presence on this roster couldn’t be justified anymore. Chicago has enough offensive weapons to survive just fine without him. They never wanted to get rid of him. He simply didn’t leave them a choice. When the last image of him was running the wrong route against the Rams that contributed to a season-ending interception, his fate was sealed.

Noah Schultz Set To Return To White Sox Rotation Amid Lingering Knee Concerns

By
Mitchell Kaminski
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May 18, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Noah Schultz (22) pitches to the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

After being sidelined with right patellar tendinitis, Noah Schultz is set to return to the mound for his first appearance since May 24. 

Chicago White Sox manager Will Venable confirmed that Schultz will take the ball against the Baltimore Orioles Wednesday, saying that the 6’10 southpaw is “feeling really good.” 

While Schultz is a welcome addition back to the starting rotation, his lingering right knee issues remain something to monitor going forward.

When Schultz was placed on the 15-day injured list in late May, he said the issue had been bothering him for about a week, though he described it as “mild” and added that he expected to begin throwing bullpen sessions in the coming days.

While the IL stint was described as precautionary, there were some red flags, since it was not the first time Schultz has dealt with the issue. Last season, he missed multiple weeks with right knee tendinitis, an injury that worsened when he attempted to pitch through it.

Schultz’s fastball sits in the upper 90s, but at 6-foot-10, maintaining consistent lower-half drive becomes more difficult when he’s unable to fully plant his right leg. Reduced leg drive can also force him to rely more heavily on arm strength, which in turn can add stress to the shoulder. 

Concerns aside, getting Schultz back in the fold gives the White Sox a much-needed boost to the rotation. He opened the season strongly after his call-up, posting a 2.53 ERA over his first four starts while striking out 20 batters across 21.1 innings.

However, since May 6, his results have trended in the wrong direction, with his ERA rising to 5.82 over his last four outings and just 13 strikeouts in 17.1 innings.

In his most recent start against the San Francisco Giants, Schultz was tagged for six runs over four innings and recorded just one strikeout. His fastball, which sat around 97 mph in his debut, has dipped to roughly 94 mph. While some of the added velocity can be attributed to the adrenaline of an MLB debut, if his knee is back to full strength, that velocity should begin trending back in the right direction.

In his last rehab start with the Charlotte Knights, his fastball was averaging 95 mph, with his sinker hovering around 96 mph. He also looked like his usual self, throwing 4.2 innings of two-run ball while racking up seven strikeouts and only allowing three hits.

While the White Sox would obviously like to see Schultz in top form moving forward, given his previous history with the knee issue and the importance of his long-term development, the focus will be as much on durability and consistency as it is on immediate results.

White Sox Trade Ben Peoples for High-A Catcher Raises Eyebrows

By
Mitchell Kaminski
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Kansas junior Ben Hartl (25) is greeted by redshirt junior Michael Brooks (6) after scoring a home run in the second inning of the Buck O'Neil Classic at Hoglund Ballpark Tuesday, April 9.

The Chicago White Sox pulled the trigger on a bizarre trade Tuesday, sending right-hander Ben Peoples to the Texas Rangers for catcher Ben Hartl. 

While both players have yet to reach the big leagues, Peoples appeared to be inching closer to his MLB debut after posting some gaudy strikeout numbers this season. For a White Sox team in need of additional pitching depth, he looked like a legitimate bullpen option capable of contributing in the near future.

The 25-year-old has posted a 2.39 ERA across 37.2 innings at Triple-A Charlotte this season while generating a 30% strikeout rate. His ability to miss bats and limit quality contact has stood out as well, with both his whiff rate and hard-hit rate ranking among the best in the International League. Opponents have managed just a .163 expected batting average against him.

The only thing standing between Peoples and the big leagues at this point appears to be his command. His 13% walk rate is a bit of an eyesore and could make it difficult to trust him out of the bullpen,  especially for a White Sox team with legitimate playoff aspirations and little margin for self-inflicted mistakes.

While those concerns are legitimate, throwing him away for a 23-year-old catcher who has yet to play a game above High-A is a bit of a head-scratcher. If the White Sox were intent on moving him, why not at least explore packaging him in a deal for pitching help or another more immediate roster need?

For starters, the White Sox already have plenty of catching depth within the organization. Both Kyle Teel and Edgar Quero remain projected as the club’s long-term options behind the plate, and that outlook has not changed despite Quero’s offensive struggles this season.

That doesn’t even account for Drew Romo, who still has minor league options remaining, and Korey Lee, who was recently named the International Leagues Player of the Week. The White Sox top 30 ranked prospects by MLB Pipeline also include a pair of catchers, 19-year-old Landon Hodge and 17-year old Fernando Graterol. 

Hartl does have a connection within the White Sox organization. In 2023, he was teammates with Sam Antonacci at Heartland Community College, and like Antonacci, also hails from Springfield, Illinois.

But across three minor league seasons, he has yet to establish himself as a consistent offensive threat at the position, posting a .248/.393/.323 slash line with five home runs and 63 RBIs. In 130 plate appearances in High-A this season, he is posting a .686 OPS. However, Hartl does appear to have a knack for getting on base, with a 13% walk rate this season. 

Still, the overall profile raises questions about what the White Sox are truly gaining in return for a pitcher who was trending toward the majors.

How The Chicago Bulls Aim To Solve Their Shooting Problem Via The Rival Cavs

By
Erik Lambert
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chicago bulls
May 21, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Max Strus (2) reacts after a basket during the second quarter of the eastern conference finals of the 2026 NBA playoffs against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

It’s been discussed plenty of times since the draft ended. While the Chicago Bulls did a great job adding two premier athletes in Caleb Wilson and Dailyn Swain, one thing they didn’t do was add more shooting. This has been a persistent issue for years with this team. Arturas Karnisovas never did a good enough job stacking shooters on the roster. So when his replacement, Bryson Graham, didn’t make any moves in the draft, it raised frustration among fans. Thankfully, it sounds like the team already has plans to address the problem as free agency looms.

It was already revealed that Chicago is planning a run at veteran guard Norman Powell, who is departing Miami after an All-Star season. He would certainly give them more offensive punch. Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times confirmed that rumor, but then added another. He has it on good authority that the Bulls have engaged with their rival, the Cleveland Cavaliers, on a trade for sharpshooter Max Strus. He is a Hickory Hills, Illinois native and has long dreamed of wearing red, white, and black.

The Chicago Bulls have the right idea with Strus.

While he won’t provide much in the way of creative scoring or passing, he does give them some rebounding, high effort on defense, and is a quality three-point shooter, averaging over 38% in the past two seasons. Having him off the bench would give the team much more flexibility with their rotations and a chance to space the floor better. He fits what Graham wants in players for this roster. He’ll obviously be motivated, given the chance to play for his favorite childhood team.

This is exactly the type of trade Graham alluded to after the draft. His goal is to stack future assets for his team. One way to do that is by taking on big contracts from cap-strapped teams. Cleveland is definitely in that situation. Unloading Strus is a necessity for them. Considering how well he fits Chicago’s needs, it isn’t hard to imagine a deal getting done. Perhaps two 2nd rounders and Strus to take that contract. It would certainly be a win for the Bulls, even if the player doesn’t produce as hoped.

It’s nice to see the Bulls are sticking to their plan.

There isn’t much flash to it, but it’s sensible. It makes sense. That wasn’t always the case with Karnisovas. We can clearly see what Graham and this regime hope to accomplish. They want to feature their young core, which requires building a support system that masks their deficiencies. In this instance, they need more rim protection down low and better shooting from range. They accomplished the first objective with the Nic Claxton trade. Adding Strus from Cleveland would check the other box.

It won’t make the Chicago Bulls a contender, but it would make them presentable. Remember, the goal moving forward is not to be horrible. New tanking rules make the sweet spot finishing somewhere in the #4 to #10 spots in the lottery. Adding Strus to this lineup would make such an objective possible. Much, of course, would depend on how the rookies develop. If nothing else, it would make the season a fun one to follow. More will become clear in the next few days.

The Logan Jones Buzz Is Growing At Halas Hall: Why It’s Great News For The Bears

By
Erik Lambert
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chicago bears
May 8, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears offensive lineman Logan Jones (54) stretches during Rookie Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Last year, the Chicago Bears got massive contributions from their 2025 draft class. Tight end Colston Loveland finished as their leading receiver. Wide receiver Luther Burden was their best deep threat. Left tackle Ozzy Trapilo played steady football before his unfortunate knee injury. Kyle Monangai formed a terrific tandem with D’Andre Swift in the backfield. The group was essential to that NFC North division title. Now, fans are wondering if similar contributions could come from the 2026 class. That could prove more difficult. Outside of 1st round pick Dillon Thieneman, none of their other picks are guaranteed to start immediately. The only other possibility would be Logan Jones.

Chicago took the center out of Iowa in the 2nd round, much to the surprise of fans. While they’d expected the team to add a center at some point, none had expected it to happen so soon. Head coach Ben Johnson became smitten with Jones during the evaluation process, especially in interviews. He saw a talented player with intelligence and grit. Still, the feeling was that veteran Garrett Bradbury was the favorite to start this season. Sports Mockery insider Jeff Hughes poked holes in that idea during his podcast.

“I think the team is going to do what teams do now, which is make Logan Jones earn, in camp in front of his teammates, the starting center job. But I don’t think anybody in that building doesn’t think he’s going to be the starting center.”

Logan Jones is not a normal rookie.

Most who come into the NFL have two years of starting experience and are around the age of 21. They’re still very young and learning the intricacies of the position. That is not the case for Jones. He started 51 games for Iowa, the equivalent of three full pro seasons. At 25 years old, he is also a fully developed man. This isn’t somebody who arrived wet behind the ears. Jones is mature and polished. The only thing holding him back is a lack of knowledge of the Bears’ offense. This is perfectly fine since it’s the same for Bradbury, who arrived a month earlier via trade from New England.

Both men are on equal footing. In such cases, teams are more inclined to play the younger player. Bradbury would have to significantly outperform Jones in training camp later this month to win the job. If they battle to a draw, Johnson will want to put the guy they hope will work with Caleb Williams over multiple years into the lineup as soon as possible. It sounds like Jones hasn’t disappointed so far. The real test will come when the pads go on in a few weeks.

Excitement is quietly building for this draft class.

Thieneman already had plenty as one of the top safeties to come out of college in the past few years. His mix of size, speed, and instincts exhibits Pro Bowl-caliber potential. Logan Jones was widely considered the best center in the draft. There is a strong chance he would’ve gone in the 1st round if he’d been a couple years younger. Then you get to their two 3rd rounders, Brandon Roush and Zavion Thomas. No two players were received with more confusion and anger by fans than them.

Things have shifted considerably since then. Roush and Thomas both reportedly looked really good in OTAs and minicamps. Buzz is building that they could become a much bigger part of the offense than initially thought. If those four players step up as quality contributors right away, it raises expectations for the entire team. Jones could be an instant hit. He’s a perfect fit for this offense and plays with the kind of relentless determination that leads to immediate success.

Chicago Cubs Star Pete Crow-Armstrong Is a Unicorn

By
Aldo Soto
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Pete Crow-Armstrong is doing what every Chicago Cubs fan dreamed of when he was acquired back in 2021 for Javier Baez. The center fielder always possessed all the tools to become a star in MLB, but that didn’t mean he had it all figured out. The defense was elite from day one. The speed on the bases and chaos created brought back memories of Baez, but so did the frustrating at-bats. Yet, as much as PCA’s game mirrored El Mago, the 24-year-old has done something Baez never could.

Halfway through the 2026 season, Crow-Armstrong hasn’t simply transformed the type of hitter he is; he’s become a baseball unicorn. Yes, we’ve seen the combo of power and speed in the past; PCA showed that last year, when he had the Cubs’ first 30/30 season since the 1990s. He’s doing it again this year, but now he’s backing it up with everything else.

After going 2-for-3 with two walks and scoring the game-winning run on Seiya Suzuki’s fly ball to left field on Monday night, Crow-Armstrong now has a slash line of .284/.372/.509. As we head into the final game of June, the center fielder is on his way to winning Player of the Month in the National League. He’s recorded a 1.225 OPS, and while the home runs and steals are fun, it’s the plate discipline that should excite fans the most.

Crow-Armstrong has a .462 OBP in 25 games in June. That leads the National League and is only second behind Yandy Diaz among all MLB hitters. He’s hitting .376 this month, but Crow-Armstrong has also increased his walk rate to 13.4%.

That brings us to this stat. Think about how awful Crow-Armstrong was through April 13; the first 16 games resulted in a .504 OPS. He was striking out 31% of the time with a walk rate below 5%. Just one home run in 68 plate appearances to start the season.

Now, through 85 games, there is only one player in MLB with a batting average of at least .280, at least 17 home runs and 20 stolen bases, and a walk rate above 10%: Pete Crow-Armstrong.

The numbers match the eye test because when you see the way Crow-Armstrong is working through his plate appearances now, you can see the difference. It’s why he leads the Cubs in OBP this year. It’s why he’s not only drawing more walks this year 38 compared to 29 in all of 2025, but he’s also crushing the ball, making more contact, and earning a higher batting average.

As a collective, we don’t give players as much runway as they probably should have. It does take some guys time to get it all to click. Sometimes it never does, and that player can still be a good MLB performer. And then you have Pete Crow-Armstrong, who has completely changed his profile at the plate. He has all the tools, and he’s using all the tools.

Right now, there aren’t many players comparable to what Pete Crow-Armstrong does on a baseball field. It’s special. Enjoy it to the fullest, Cubs fans.

It’s Time for Craig Counsell to Move the Biggest Failure of 2026 Down in the Chicago Cubs Lineup

By
Aldo Soto
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Feb 11, 2026; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs Alex Bregman (3) gets ready to hit during spring training camp at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

Alex Bregman finally got a hit with a runner in scoring position in what truly was an improbable scenario, facing all-world closer Mason Miller in Monday’s series opener against the San Diego Padres. Ironically, the single to center field didn’t produce a run as Dansby Swanson froze on contact and held up at third base. It wasn’t a rocket, 71mph off the bat, but you’ll take anything positive as a Chicago Cubs fan when it comes to Bregman at the plate. That being said, the 32-year-old third baseman has no business hitting anywhere near the top of the Cubs starting lineup right now.

Sure, Swanson went through a deep slump at the plate before busting out for a week and demolishing the New York Mets, and Nico Hoerner hasn’t really hit much since April, but when you’re the big free agent player coming into a new team, the expectations are naturally going to be higher.

It’s not exactly like Bregman was expected to come in and become a 30+ home run slugger to help make up for the production lost from Kyle Tucker, but for all the praise Bregman got as having elite plate discipline and making the smartest swing decisions, he sure as hell looks atrocious far too often for a hitter of his reputation.

The Jason Heyward groundout to second base has now been replaced by the Bregman pop-up in the infield. I have no idea how such an accomplished hitter like Bregman constantly hits pop-ups, and it was even more annoying in the third inning on Monday night, when Bregman couldn’t square up a 3-0 fastball. I don’t necessarily follow the thought process that you should never swing at a 3-0 pitch because so many times that may end up being the only good pitch a hitter sees during an at-bat.

However, if you do swing, at the very least make quality contact because you’re obviously locking in on a specific type of pitch if you’re confident enough to swing. What did Bregman do by taking a hack at a 93mph fastball on the inner half of the plate?

A foul out to the catcher to end the inning. Good stuff, Alex.

In his first two-hit game in two weeks, Bregman barely increased his slugging percentage to .337. To put into context just how bad that is for the third baseman, Nick Madrigal’s healthiest season with the Cubs came in 2023, when he played in 92 games, and in 294 plate appearances he put up a .352 slugging percentage, 15 points higher than Bregman’s current mark through 380 plate appearances with the Cubs.

A singles hitter isn’t what the Cubs were signing up for, and I don’t really care about Bregman apologizing for not hustling against the Milwaukee Brewers because that wouldn’t be an issue if he were actually producing on offense. And that’s really the bottom line here. Bregman hasn’t been doing much of anything for most of the first half, and yet Craig Counsell continues to put him near the top of the batting order.

Bregman has played in 83 of 85 games so far in 2026, and in one of those appearances, he came off the bench against the Padres back on April 28. Besides that game, Bregman has been penciled into the No. 2, 3, or 4 spot in the batting order in 80 games. A guy who has a slash line of .242/.339/.337 should not be hitting in the middle of the starting lineup.

The Cubs have already shuffled up the batting order, moving Nico Hoerner out of the leadoff spot and replacing him with Pete Crow-Armstrong. That move has been marvelous thanks to Crow-Armstrong’s rise as a great overall hitter. Now, as the Cubs attempt to stabilize their season, you have to optimize the offense, and Bregman hasn’t shown enough to this point to keep rolling him out there in key spots.

The numbers are horrible with runners in scoring position, and the slugging is unfathomable, but I’m not saying Bregman has to be benched either. He has to play, but give him some time down in the order to figure something out because this has been a failure for the 2026 Cubs.

Bulls Reportedly Eyeing Norman Powell: Why The Risk Is Worth It

By
Erik Lambert
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norman powell
Mar 25, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Miami Heat guard Norman Powell (24) looks to pass beside Cleveland Cavaliers guard Keon Ellis (14) in the third quarter at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images

The Chicago Bulls won’t be big-game hunting in free agency this year. That is probably a few years away. Right now, VP of Basketball Operations Bryson Graham is trying to piece together a roster that makes sense fit-wise. The idea is to help feature their young players, such as Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, and Dailyn Swain. They already have Josh Giddey at point guard, which should help. They traded for veteran center Nic Claxton to help in the middle. Only one position has been unaccounted for so far. This is where Norman Powell comes in.

Miami rocked the NBA this offseason with its blockbuster trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Unfortunately, such moves often come at a cost. Widespread belief is that one of them will be losing the All-Star shooting guard to free agency. According to the Dallas Hoops Journal, the Bulls sit atop the list of teams expected to pursue the 33-year-old.

“The Norman Powell free-agency market is taking shape, and the Chicago Bulls are a team to keep an eye on if he leaves the Miami Heat, sources told Dallas Hoops Journal.

Powell is set to become an unrestricted free agent, and Miami’s path to keeping him has narrowed since the Heat landed Giannis Antetokounmpo. That deal pushed Miami’s commitment to Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo past $107 million, leaving the front office little room to match a competitive number for Powell. Chicago carries roughly $26 million in projected cap space, enough to put a real offer in front of him.”

It isn’t difficult to decipher why Chicago is interested. Powell presents multiple qualities that appeal directly to their needs as a team.

Norman Powell brings exactly what the Bulls are missing.

By far the biggest criticism coming out of the 2026 draft was that Graham didn’t add more shooting to the roster. Wilson and Swain are tremendous athletes with huge upside, but both need considerable work on their jump shots. Nobody else on the roster provided that ability to space the floor from range. Powell would change that. He has consistently been one of the better three-point shooters in the NBA, averaging 39.6% from the arc over his career. No player the Bulls employed last year who averaged seven or more attempts cracked 35%.

The best thing about Norman Powell is his adaptability. There is a reason he was one of the best sixth men in the NBA for several years. He understands how to step into any situation and adjust his responsibilities to help the team. If you need him to be the primary scorer? He can do that. If you need him to be a spot-up shooter while others attack the basket? He’ll do that too. This is unquestionably why the Bulls are interested in him. They need somebody like that in the lineup, which eases pressure on the younger guys.

Money shouldn’t be a big issue.

Current projections suggest Powell will command something in the neighborhood of $20-25 million per year. A three-year deal worth $65 million is the most popular framework. Chicago has the cap space to make that work without much trouble. One would imagine an option of some kind would be included for that final year. The big question is whether Powell would be interested. After all, anybody with common sense knows the Bulls are in a rebuilding phase. They won’t compete for a championship this season.

If the 33-year-old is hoping for one last crack at an NBA title, then Chicago won’t be a destination he considers. The good news is that, in this regard, Powell already has a ring. He played on the 2019 Toronto Raptors squad. So there isn’t as much pressure to hoist the trophy. Given his age, Powell might be more interested in chasing one last big payday before retirement comes knocking. If so, then the Bulls might be the best option he’s likely to see this month.

A Top Prospect Back From Injury Is Forcing A White Sox Rotation Shuffle

By
Craig Rowland
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Jul 8, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox logo is seen on Rate Field before a baseball game between the Chicago White Sox and Toronto Blue Jays. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

The White Sox will likely be busy at the trade deadline, as they could really use a few more quality arms for a playoff push. However, the White Sox have a few intriguing arms currently in AAA that could help out the big league club. It may be advantageous for the White Sox to see what some of these players can do at the major league level before trading away any assets.

Mason Adams may be the most intriguing of the arms with the Charlotte Knights, as he is currently the White Sox 11th ranked prospect according to MLB Pipeline. 

Adams was a 13th round pick in the 2022 draft and pitched very well in his first minor league season in 2023, as he had a 3.14 ERA over 109 innings. However, 2024 was the season that put Adams on the map, as he was elite with the Birmingham Barons. In 103 innings with the Barons, he had a 2.44 ERA with 101 strikeouts and just 19 walks. He also had a phenomenal 1.05 WHIP and he was a quality start machine.

He earned consideration to be called up at some point, but he suffered an injury right as he was promoted to Charlotte in 2024. Unfortunately, Adams then needed Tommy John surgery, ending his 2025 season.

Now, Adams has returned from Tommy John surgery and has been on an absolute tear in his rehab starts. After 11 innings of 2.50 ERA baseball with the Winston-Salem Dash, the White Sox finally returned him to the Charlotte Knights, where he last played minor league baseball before getting injured.

Typically, a player struggles after returning from Tommy John surgery. That hasn’t been the case for Adams, as he has been outstanding. Over 14 innings with the Knights, he has posted a 1.93 ERA, a .93 WHIP, and hitters are only hitting .208 against him. He has 16 strikeouts and has only walked three. That is a phenomenal ratio for somebody coming off a major arm surgery.

Now, as the White Sox look to build him back up, he could soon be on his way to Chicago. The White Sox could use another consistent starting pitcher and Adams could fit that bill. At this rate, it is only a matter of time before Adams gets a well deserved promotion to the major leagues, as he has been a great pitcher both before and after his surgery. 

It’s unclear the exact timeline of when he would be called up to Chicago, or the circumstances surrounding his call up, but in the next few weeks, if Adams continues to dominate, the White Sox may be forced to promote him and figure it all out. Adams profiles best as a starting pitcher, so if anyone struggles over the next few weeks, Adams could take their spot. Since Adams is not on the 40-man roster, a corresponding move will need to be made, but getting Adams to Chicago is worth potentially losing any player he replaces.

The White Sox Face A Tough Decision As Shane Smith Nears Return

By
Craig Rowland
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Apr 7, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Shane Smith (64) delivers a pitch against the Baltimore Orioles during the first inning at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

The White Sox opened the season against the Milwaukee Brewers on March 26th in Milwaukee. Shane Smith was the Opening Day starter, and the White Sox ended up dropping that game 14-2. 

However, that series feels like a completely different year. Outside of the roster being significantly different than it was in March, the vibes around the team are different in a good way, and a part of the reason why the White Sox are having so much success.

Perhaps the most shocking difference is the fact that the Opening Day starter was optioned to AAA after just three starts. That isn’t something you see everyday. 

However, Shane Smith had some significant issues with his command, as he never made it past 3 2/3 innings in 2026. After being optioned to AAA, he threw 13.2 innings, pitching to a 5.27 ERA. However, there was some slight improvement, as hitters only hit .191 against him. He struck out 18 batters in those 13.2 innings, but he walked eight. This was part of the reason why he was sent down, as he needed to work on his control and getting ahead of hitters.

Unfortunately, Smith hit the injury list less than a month later, and he has not pitched in a game in almost two months. Now, according to Scott Merkin, Smith is close to returning and getting in game action with the Winston-Salem Dash. It is expected that he will get in game action next week. This could be a significant addition for the White Sox, as he was their best pitcher last year.

But, assuming things go well and Smith makes it back to the major leagues, where does Smith fit in with the new-look White Sox roster? At this point, it’s hard to tell what the White Sox will do with Smith if he’s promoted back to the big leagues. He could potentially take the spot of somebody in the rotation, he could fill-in if there is an injury, or he could be put in the bullpen. There are certainly quite a few options.

There is no doubt Smith has all the talent in the world, as he was an All-Star last season and was dominant for stretches of time. However, this year he has had trouble finding the strike zone. If he can figure that out, he’ll be a huge asset to the White Sox playoff push. But, coming off an injury, that could be a big if.

The White Sox could slot Smith into the bullpen and have him eat up multiple innings, similar to what Trevor Richards has done this year, or they could implement a six man rotation. 

Getting Smith back to his 2025 form would be an absolute game changer for the White Sox. He pitched like a top of the rotation arm, which is exactly what the White Sox could use right about now. At this point, I believe the White Sox will likely ease him in through the bullpen, having him work his way back into a starting spot. Having him build his confidence in lower leverage situations could help him get back on track.

The biggest question at the end of the day is what kind of production will the White Sox need to see out of Smith to have him return to Chicago? The amount of starts he gets in the minor leagues and the quality of those starts will likely determine where he slots in with the team in Chicago.

Smith didn’t have these kind of issues last year, and for some reason it got out of hand this year. Hopefully the White Sox organization and Smith were able to use this time off to identify the issues with his command. If they were able to figure it out, he would be a significant addition to the roster. 

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