White Sox Prospects Schultz & Smith Eye 2026 Debut

White Sox prospects Noah Schultz and Hagen Smith are poised for potential Major League debuts in 2026. Schultz, ranked No. 49 overall, and Smith, No. 72, have dedicated their offseasons to improving their craft. Both pitchers experienced uneven performance in the previous season but are now focused on a strong start to the upcoming year.

Schultz worked on his overall athleticism and body regulation at the Boras Sports Training Institute after dealing with patellar tendinitis in his right knee. Smith, meanwhile, concentrated on refining his changeup and lower-body mechanics, aiming for greater consistency after a season where he showed dominance but struggled with control and walks.

Both pitchers expressed confidence in their development and their readiness for the big leagues. Schultz hopes to break camp with the team, while Smith is focused on competing and meeting his own high standards. Their progress is seen as a long-term development plan with a 2026 debut as a significant goal.