The Chicago White Sox take the field at Guaranteed Rate Field on Saturday, May 10, 2025, with a disheartening 11-28 record that reflects a turbulent start to their season, marked by injuries, underperformance, and a lack of cohesion across the roster. Despite entering this matchup as one of the worst teams in the American League by record, there have been flashes of competitiveness and talent that suggest this team has the pieces to be more than just a bottom-feeder. Luis Robert Jr. continues to be the offensive centerpiece, providing both power and speed, while Andrew Vaughn has shown signs of breaking out with a more consistent approach at the plate. Eloy Jiménez, when healthy, brings valuable run-producing potential, but keeping the core healthy has been a persistent issue. Chicago has been inconsistent at best with runners in scoring position, and a lack of situational hitting has left them unable to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Their offense ranks near the bottom in on-base percentage, making it hard to build sustainable rallies or wear down opposing starters. On the pitching front, the White Sox have struggled to find dependable arms, as both their starting rotation and bullpen have dealt with injuries and ineffectiveness. Dylan Cease, once an ace-caliber presence, has struggled with command and run support, while Michael Kopech has not taken the expected leap forward in his development. Depth has been tested throughout the staff, with too many games turning into high-scoring affairs that the offense hasn’t been able to claw back from. The bullpen, led by closer Gregory Santos and veteran relievers like Aaron Bummer, has not been able to consistently protect leads or keep games close, particularly when asked to cover multiple innings.

The team ERA ranks near the bottom of the league, and with starters failing to go deep, the bullpen has been overworked and underwhelming. Defensively, the White Sox have not helped themselves either, with frequent errors and misplays extending innings and allowing unearned runs that have demoralized the pitching staff. It’s clear that the fundamentals need tightening if the White Sox hope to climb out of the early hole they’ve dug. Still, Saturday’s game against the equally struggling Miami Marlins offers a prime opportunity for Chicago to reset and regain some pride at home. The White Sox have actually fared decently against the spread (21-18 ATS), suggesting they’ve been more competitive than their record indicates in many games. Manager Pedro Grifol has emphasized patience and development, knowing that this season might be more about evaluation and growth than contention. With home field advantage and a motivated lineup eager to deliver in front of their fans, the White Sox will look to attack early, get a quality start from the rotation, and turn the game over to their bullpen with a lead. More than anything, a win would be a much-needed morale booster, and a reminder that even in a season gone sideways, there are still chances to build something for the future. A focused, clean performance against a beatable opponent like Miami could be exactly what Chicago needs to begin that process.