White Sox September call-ups could be key to winning division

For most of the last three Septembers, Major League Baseball’s expanded rosters gave the White Sox a chance to audition kids for tomorrow. This year, those same prospect reinforcements could help Chicago finish something nobody expected – win the AL Central. MORE:Top MLB prospect, 20-year-old catching phenom called up late Monday night This September is about winning, not auditioning Sep 27, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Chicago White Sox shortstop Colson Montgomery (12) celebrates with White Sox catcher Kyle Teel (8) after hitting a two run home run against the Washington Nationals during the fourth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images That’s the fascinating part of Chicago’s position. The White Sox already have young players contributing in meaningful games, and September creates another opportunity to reach into a suddenly interesting system for help. But these can’t be ceremonial promotions. Whoever comes up needs to help Will Venable win games immediately. Kyle Teel may be the most intriguing name. The 24-year-old catcher is working back from a high ankle sprain and went 3-for-4 with two RBIs in an August 30 rehab game for Triple-A Charlotte. Through his first four rehab games, Teel had five hits in 14 at-bats while also getting work behind the plate. And Teel was fantastic this past week on assignment. The Charlotte Knights highlighted Teel’s performance here: That’s not just another prospect getting September experience. That’s a player who could actually strengthen Chicago’s lineup during a division race. MORE:Red Sox get their stars back & it’s still not enough The arms might matter even more Jul 31, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox pitcher Drew Thorpe (33) throws against the Kansas City Royals during the first inning at Guaranteed Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports Then there’s the pitching. Drew Thorpe has returned from Tommy John surgery and posted a 3.07 ERA with 15 strikeouts and only three walks across 14 Triple-A innings. David Sandlin owns a 2.21 ERA across 63 2/3 minor-league innings despite struggling during his earlier major-league opportunity. Jairo Iriarte has rebounded to a 3.03 ERA after a brutal 2025 season. Any one of those arms could become valuable when September workloads start piling up. Chicago did add veteran Tommy Pham, and that makes sense. A young clubhouse chasing October can use somebody who has actually experienced postseason pressure. But Pham shouldn’t be the most interesting September addition. The White Sox have spent years accumulating and developing young talent while September baseball meant almost nothing. Now comes the payoff. If Teel returns, Thorpe proves ready, or another Charlotte arm grabs meaningful innings, Chicago’s farm system won’t simply be building the next White Sox contender. It might help this one win the division. — Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —