Bold opening: The White Sox are not just warming up—they’re laying the groundwork for a season they’re eager to seize, starting with a fully assembled squad on the field. And this is where the story gets interesting, with new faces, familiar talents, and strategic tweaks all converging in Mesa.
The White Sox conducted their first complete full-squad practice ahead of Cactus League play, marking a milestone as spring training intensifies. For context, the Cubs and White Sox are set to clash in the opening cross-desert exhibition this Friday to kick off the league’s spring slate. Meanwhile, position players are still officially due to arrive in Mesa on Monday, but Chicago jumped the gun with their first full-squad workout already underway.
Among the notable participants was newly acquired Luisangel Acuna, who stepped onto the field for the first time as a member of the White Sox. He joined a core of returning young players who reported well before the mandated date, including third baseman Miguel Vargas, who faced a few minor injuries last season and is eyeing a healthy, durable year ahead.
Vargas shared his high-level goal: “I wanna be healthy the whole year. I think that’s my main thing. Also, I want to be able to play third base every single day, all 162 games. That’s a big challenge.” He also emphasized the team’s early arrival as a positive signal, noting last year’s strong second-half stretch and the presence of new teammates who could contribute to a winning club.
manager Will Venable offered insight into the team’s approach, highlighting a few technical and strategic adjustments. He referenced Vargas’ recent swing tweaks and the importance of sustaining those improvements, with a focus on both offense and defense as the club continues to refine its execution.
Vargas also mentioned a high-profile addition in Munetaka Murakami, who is serving as a clubhouse neighbor and star presence at camp. Murakami spent time working with Vargas at third base, prompting Venable to suggest that Murakami could see some action there, though his primary position remains first base.
Vargas expressed appreciation for having a superstar teammate nearby, noting Murakami’s professionalism and knowledge as invaluable learning opportunities.
Across town at Cubs camp, Jameson Taillon is entering his fourth season with the organization after a strong second half. The upcoming spring drew some social-media noise when Taillon allowed a home run to new Cubs slugger Alex Bregman during live batting practice. Taillon responded with a candid take on the online chatter, noting he’s choosing to ignore the online noise while focusing on his work, with a lighthearted aside about keeping Instagram content to simpler pleasures like coffee, Pokémon cards, and video games.
On the mound, Taillon reflected on how notching fewer homers and identifying the right moments to challenge hitters helped him rebound in the latter part of the season. He also highlighted the development of a changeup as a key factor in facing left-handed batters, crediting it with adding a new dimension to his arsenal.
Taillon is among a contingent of Cubs and White Sox players—12 in total—representing nine countries in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, including Taillon, who will throw for Team Canada.
In the headlines:
- Spring Training coverage
- Chicago White Sox updates
- Chicago and the region
- Arizona spring context
Video recap: White Sox hold first full-squad workout during spring training (03:37)
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