Smith, 25 next month, was the top pick in the Rule 5 draft which took place in November. A Brewers prospect, he had tossed 157 innings over the 2022 through 2024 seasons, allowing 2.69 earned runs per nine. He struck out 32.2% of batters faced while walking 8.4% of opponents, with solid ground ball rates as well.

Shane Smith participates in “I got it” drills at White Sox spring training at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Ariz, on March 12, 2025. Share GLENDALE, Ariz. — Everyone likes a story about a spring phenom.

Shane Smith, who got poached from the Brewers in last December's Rule 5 Draft, is officially going to open the 2025 season on the White Sox's pitching staff.