As the White Sox continue their quest for the postseason in 2026, they continue to be driven primarily by their offense. Entering Wednesday, the White Sox lead the American League in runs scored, are second in home runs and slugging percentage, and fourth in OPS. They’ve maintained strong offense despite some pitching inconsistencies, and it’s been a team effort, with contributions in the lineup from 1-9. Among the contributors are a few notable standouts, and it’s reasonable to expect a few names in the mix for Silver Slugger awards. Here’s one favorite and a couple dark horse candidates.
The Favorite: 2B Chase Meidroth
When discussing the White Sox’ most improved player this season, most fans would immediately point to third-baseman Miguel Vargas, but a closer look reveals an even stronger option in Chase Meidroth. After hitting just five home runs in 2025, Meidroth has more than doubled his total this season, with 12 entering Wednesday’s action. His OPS has jumped by over 100 points, and the second base position isn’t a strong one across the American League, so Meidroth is among the league leaders in several categories. Meidroth ranks fourth among AL second-basemen in home runs and RBIs, third in batting average and slugging percentage, second in on-base percentage and OPS, and leads the group in walks. Among those ahead of Meidroth in some categories is Twins utilityman Luke Keaschall, who has only played 76 games at 2B and 49 in the outfield. He may be more qualified for the utility role, moving Meidroth even further up the list.
There isn’t a player who’s been as balanced as Meidroth with power and contact at second base in the American League, and I believe he should be the favorite to win the award. We’ll see if the voters feel the same way.
Dark Horse: 3B Miguel Vargas
The Silver Slugger race at third base in the AL is very clearly a two-horse race. White Sox breakout star Miguel Vargas and Rays 3B Junior Caminero have been the clear standouts at the position all season long. They’re the only two qualified third basemen with an OPS over .800 for the season, but Caminero has the advantage in most areas, including home runs, RBIs, batting average, slugging percentage, and on-base percentage. Miguel Vargas has been an incredibly valuable player for the White Sox, and was rewarded with an All-Star appearance, but it’s tough to see him being chosen over Caminero barring a wild swing over the season’s final month. Vargas should easily be a finalist, however, as he’s clearly one of the top three at the position.
Dark Horse: CF Tristan Peters
Perhaps the biggest story of the White Sox season has been the emergence of outfielder Tristan Peters. The 26-year-old went from fringe roster depth to All-Star in just a few months, and he’s made up for his late July slump in a big way in August. Primarily starting against right-handers, Peters enters Wednesday hitting .277 with 11 home runs and 50 RBIs. Peters has 26 doubles, three triples, and seven stolen bases. His 354 ABs technically leave him not yet qualified, but if he were, he’d be second in batting average, on-base percentage, and OPS among AL center fielders, and first in slugging. It’s been a remarkable season for Peters in every way, and he deserves to be recognized with one of the league’s prestigious offensive awards. Hopefully, MLB will agree.
4 straight games with a homer for Tristan Peters! pic.twitter.com/bYuJpVvNlq
— MLB (@MLB) August 26, 2026
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