The Chicago White Sox and Minnesota Twins wrap up their three-game series on April 24, 2025, at Target Field in Minneapolis in a matchup featuring two clubs struggling to find offensive consistency but hungry to establish momentum in the early part of the season. Both teams enter the contest ranked near the bottom of the league in batting average—the White Sox at .201 and the Twins slightly ahead at .210—setting the stage for a game that may hinge less on offensive firepower and more on pitching execution and defensive stability. The Twins claimed a 6-3 victory in the previous game behind timely hitting and effective bullpen work, providing them a chance to secure a series sweep on their home field. Taking the mound for Minnesota will be Chris Paddack, who has had a rocky start to the season with an 0-2 record and a 7.27 ERA but will look to reset and find a rhythm against a White Sox lineup that has struggled to produce runs consistently. Opposite him is Shane Smith for Chicago, whose 0-1 record doesn’t fully reflect his solid 2.82 ERA, as he’s pitched competitively but received little to no run support. The battle between two right-handers with very different trends—Smith’s steady hand versus Paddack’s volatility—adds intrigue to a game that otherwise looks like a race to break out of the offensive doldrums. Both bullpens have been taxed heavily of late, meaning the ability for either starter to work deep into the game could serve as a deciding factor. Offensively, the Twins have shown more spark in recent games, finding success by stringing together singles, executing small-ball tactics, and capitalizing on defensive miscues. Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa remain the anchors of Minnesota’s offense, even if neither is off to a blistering start, and the team has found a few bright spots in young contributors stepping up in key situations. In their last win, they showcased an ability to extend innings with patience at the plate and found success manufacturing runs even when the long ball didn’t come into play. While Paddack’s early-season performance has been concerning, the Twins’ coaching staff remains confident that he can harness his command and velocity to stabilize the rotation and give Minnesota a better shot at climbing the AL Central standings.

Defensively, Minnesota has played relatively clean baseball and their outfield range—headlined by Buxton—has saved multiple runs this series. With the team riding a minor wave of momentum and playing in front of their home fans, the Twins are positioned to take advantage of Chicago’s current slide and build early-season confidence with a sweep. The White Sox, meanwhile, are desperately seeking signs of life as they attempt to salvage the finale and avoid being swept. The team’s offensive woes have persisted, with a lineup that has failed to capitalize on scoring chances and consistently struggled to move runners into scoring position. While Eloy Jiménez and Luis Robert Jr. have the potential to change the outcome of a game with one swing, the supporting cast has largely failed to offer protection or sustain rallies, resulting in prolonged scoring droughts that have taxed both the pitching staff and the team’s morale. Shane Smith’s outings have been a silver lining—his ERA sits at a solid 2.82, and he’s shown poise on the mound—but the lack of run support and defensive lapses have turned winnable starts into frustrating losses. Manager Pedro Grifol has been vocal about the need for sharper situational hitting and more aggressive baserunning, both of which have been lacking through the season’s first month. The bullpen, already thin, cannot afford another night of early strain, which places further pressure on Smith to pitch deep into the game and control Minnesota’s lineup through at least six innings. For Chicago, this game is about more than just avoiding a sweep—it’s a test of their resilience and a chance to reset their tone before the schedule tightens further. If the White Sox can strike early, offer support for Smith, and play clean defense, they may walk away with a needed win—but the margin for error remains razor thin.