Takeaways from Chicago White Sox Camp, Including Season-Ending Tommy John Surgery for Reliever Prelander Berroa
Spring training camps are a time for teams to assess their rosters, prepare for the upcoming season, and make final adjustments before the regular season kicks off. However, for the Chicago White Sox, this year’s camp has been filled with both promise and disappointment. While there have been some encouraging signs for the team, one of the most significant setbacks has come with the news that reliever Prelander Berroa will undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery.
Prelander Berroa’s Injury: A Tough Blow to the Bullpen
One of the most significant storylines to emerge from White Sox camp is the unfortunate injury to Prelander Berroa, one of the team’s promising young pitchers. Berroa, a hard-throwing right-hander who had been showing flashes of potential, was diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his elbow, which will require Tommy John surgery. The news is a major blow to the White Sox bullpen, as Berroa had been viewed as a potential contributor this season.
Berroa, who was acquired by the White Sox in a trade with the New York Mets, had impressed with his high-velocity fastball and promising secondary pitches. Many within the organization had high hopes for the 24-year-old’s development in 2025. However, the need for Tommy John surgery means that he will be sidelined for the entire season, delaying his potential impact on the roster.
The loss of Berroa adds to the growing list of pitching injuries that have plagued the White Sox in recent years. While the team will now have to look elsewhere for depth in the bullpen, the news serves as a reminder of the challenges that come with maintaining a healthy pitching staff, particularly with young arms that still have a lot to prove.
Bright Spots from the Camp
Despite the setback with Berroa, there have been several encouraging takeaways from White Sox camp. One of the most notable has been the continued development of key young players like shortstop Tim Anderson and starting pitcher Dylan Cease.
Anderson, who is widely considered the face of the franchise, has looked sharp in camp, showcasing his usual combination of speed and contact hitting. After a somewhat inconsistent 2024 campaign, Anderson appears poised for a bounce-back season and is expected to anchor the White Sox lineup at the top of the order. His leadership in the clubhouse has also been evident, as he continues to guide younger players and set the tone for the team.
Dylan Cease, another key figure in the White Sox pitching staff, has also impressed during camp. The 2022 Cy Young finalist is looking to build on an outstanding season in which he finished second in the American League in strikeouts. Cease has been fine-tuning his arsenal, working on improving his control and refining his breaking pitches to become an even more dominant force on the mound.
Position Battles Heating Up
As always, spring training provides opportunities for position battles, and 2025 has been no different for the White Sox. One of the most closely watched competitions has been at second base, where veteran Josh Harrison and young prospect Lenyn Sosa are fighting for playing time. Harrison, known for his solid defense and veteran presence, is competing with Sosa, who has impressed with his bat during camp and is looking to prove that he belongs in the starting lineup.
Another interesting battle is in the outfield, where newcomers and returning players are vying for spots. The White Sox have several outfielders who can play multiple positions, including Luis Robert Jr. and Andrew Vaughn, but the team is still looking for the right mix to complement their established stars. With players like Gavin Sheets and Oscar Colás also in the mix, the competition for starting spots is fierce.
Looking Ahead
While the injury to Prelander Berroa has cast a shadow over an otherwise optimistic spring camp, there are still plenty of reasons for White Sox fans to be hopeful heading into the season. The team’s key players, including Anderson, Cease, and Robert Jr., are all showing positive signs of growth and improvement. The organization also appears committed to finding new pieces to round out their roster, whether through internal development or potential external acquisitions.
Ultimately, the White Sox’s success will depend on how well they manage their pitching staff, especially with the injury to Berroa. Depth in the bullpen has been a concern for the team in recent seasons, and they will need to find reliable arms to step up in the absence of one of their promising young pitchers. If the team can stay healthy, particularly in the rotation, they have the talent to compete in the highly competitive American League Central.
The loss of Prelander Berroa is a significant setback, but it doesn’t define the White Sox’s season. With key players continuing to progress and the team remaining focused on their goals, Chicago still has the potential to make a deep playoff run in 2025. For now, the White Sox will need to adjust, adapt, and keep pushing forward through the challenges that come their way.
