Chicago White Sox top prospect set for first major league start

The Chicago White Sox enter Thursday looking to avoid getting swept by the Pittsburgh Pirates. To help aid their cause, the White Sox are turning to an intriguing name on the mound.

Former top prospect Hagen Smith will start on Thursday, via James Fegan of the Chicago Sun-Times. It’ll mark his first start at the major league level, as his first 10 appearances have come out of the bullpen.

The left-hander has impressed, holding a 0.56 ERA and a 23/10 K/BB ratio over his first 16 major league innings. Now, he’ll get an opportunity to prove he can succeed as a starter at the highest level. For at least his first start, how far Smith is stretched out is yet to be seen. He hasn’t thrown more than 48 pitches in a single outing yet.

But even if his stint is short, the White Sox are expecting results. If Smith succeeds, he’ll only further stake his claim in Chicago’s pitching rotation of the future.

Aug 28, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Chicago White Sox pitcher Hagen Smith (32) delivers a pitch against the Minnesota Twins in the sixth inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

Smith ranked as the third-best prospect in the organization during the 2025 season, via MLB Pipeline. He remained highly regarded in prospect circles before his call up. Still only 22-years-old, Smith represents another player the White Sox are hoping leads their youth renaissance.

Over his 43 appearances at the minor league level – 37 of them being starts – the left-hander put up a 3.88 ERA and a 202/98 K/BB ratio. While there were some bumps in the road in Triple-A, Smith has found his footing at the major league level. He’s hoping to remain there long-term.

Starting in MLB will be an entirely different atmosphere. But it’s ultimately where the White Sox want Smith to be. While there will be an unspoken pitch count, Smith will be ready to prove himself on Thursday. The South Side is looking to see a future star in action.