Munetaka Murakami draws rave reviews from teammates, White Sox players change numbers, and Luisangel Acuña settles in as the White Sox officially open full-squad camp in Glendale.
While most players had already been getting work in at Camelback Ranch, Sunday marked the first official full-squad reporting day for Chicago White Sox spring training in Glendale.
Later this week, Cactus League play will begin, giving fans their first look at the 2026 White Sox in game action.
Before that happens, here’s a rundown of everything happening in camp and what to keep an eye on.
Number Changes
Infielder Curtis Mead is switching jersey numbers for the 2026 season, moving from No. 26 to No. 17.
Erick Fedde has claimed No. 47, which forces a change for outfielder Derek Hill. Hill will now wear No. 25, previously worn by Andrew Vaughn.
Munetaka Murakami Shines
Each day, it seems Munetaka Murakami finds a new way to impress both the media and his White Sox teammates.
Shortstop Colson Montgomery, who arrived in Arizona around the same time as Murakami, described his teammate’s skills at the plate as “freakish” earlier this week.
Montgomery also praised Murakami’s energy and presence in the clubhouse, noting how much he cares about winning and about the game itself. It hasn’t taken long for teammates to recognize the kind of cultural fit he could be in the White Sox clubhouse this season.
On the field, the results have backed up the praise.
Murakami crushed the first pitch he saw during live at-bats against right-hander Jordan Hicks. He later hit a sharp liner back up the middle that struck Mike Vasil during another session. Against right-hander Zach Franklin, Murakami drove a ball off the wall and also muscled a broken-bat single into the outfield, showing off his raw strength.
Murakami is scheduled to leave for the World Baseball Classic on February 27, but before departing, he is expected to appear in several Cactus League games. Given the early buzz and the quality of his live at-bats, both White Sox fans and the front office will be eager to see how it translates into game action.
Report Dates
As noted, Sunday marked the first day all White Sox players were required to report to camp — not just pitchers and catchers.
Most players had already arrived early. Two notable position players who were not previously in camp were infielders Lenyn Sosa and Luisangel Acuña.
Acuña reported to Glendale, and early indications are that he is increasingly comfortable in the outfield after gaining experience there in the Venezuelan Winter League.
Sosa, who recently welcomed a baby, also reported on time. It’s an important spring for him as he competes for a roster spot and consistent playing time to begin the season.
With full attendance now in place, the focus shifts toward Cactus League play and the first real evaluation of how this reshaped White Sox roster looks on the field.