Chicago White Sox’s lineup takes hit after latest Cardinals move

The Chicago White Sox’s playoff run was made possible due to the franchise’s upstart offense. But come 2027, Chicago’s lineup is set to have a different approach.

Of course, part of that will be by design. The White Sox finished the regular season ranked fifth in runs scored with 776. On the flip side, Chicago was also fifth in strikeouts with 1,494. The South Siders don’t want to lose anything about what made them so potent at the plate. But consistency will be a key focal point throughout the offseason.

In terms of personnel, the White Sox’s lineup is filled with numerous young rising stars. Chicago will continue to build around them. Still, it wouldn’t be shocking to see the franchise target outfielders or another designated hitter option.

Whoever is in the lineup will be working towards keeping the White Sox at the postseason table. But they’ll have one less voice guiding the way.

Chicago White Sox lose hitting coach 

The St. Louis Cardinals have hired Joel McKeithan as their next hitting coach, via Robert Murray of FanSided. He has been an assistant hitting coach with the White Sox since 2025.

Previously, McKeithan was the Cincinnati Reds hitting coach from 2023-2024. He also has experience working in the Detroit Tigers and Philadelphia Phillies’ minor league systems. That experience, along with the White Sox’s resurgence, certainly caught the Cardinals eye.

McKeithan will now have his work cut out for him. St. Louis is in the midst of a rebuild as they try and craft a brighter future. The hitting coach will be tasked with leading the continued development of players like JJ Wetherholt and Jordan Walker. Furthermore, the Cardinals will try to finish higher than their 2026 rank of 16th (720 runs scored).

As for the White Sox, Derek Shomon remains the hitting coach. The franchise will now look for a new second in command under him. Whoever gets the job will have a young lineup full of potential to work with.

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