As spring training gets underway in Arizona, two teams with very different stories find themselves in the same place. The Los Angeles Dodgers, fresh off their eighth World Series title, are in the spotlight while the Chicago White Sox, who lost a record 121 games last year, are in rebuild mode. Despite their different paths, both teams call Camelback Ranch home in February and March so it’s a fun contrast as they prepare for 2025.
A Tale of Two Teams
Dodgers: Proven Winners
The Dodgers’ clubhouse is a Who’s Who of MLB All-Stars and their morning workouts have draws 1,000+ fans to watch. With a $400M+ payroll (highest in baseball) they’re looking to repeat as champions. Their offseason moves have kept them in the news and they’re one of the most successful franchises in sports.
White Sox: Rebuilding from Scratch
On the other side of Camelback Ranch the White Sox are in full rebuild mode. After losing 121 games in 2024 they’re developing young talent and trying to get the clubhouse back to winning. General Manager Chris Getz acknowledges the struggles but sees the shared facility as an opportunity. “It’s great to be matched up with a team that won the World Series,” he said. “How do we beat them? How can we compete?”
While the Dodgers draw thousands of fans the White Sox played a recent spring game in front of 2,636 and there’s still optimism about the future from the prospects.
The Upside of Sharing Space
Learning from Others
Sharing Camelback Ranch with the Dodgers is a learning experience for the White Sox. GM Chris Getz loves their approach to player development. “They have a small market mentality even though they have big market money,” he said. “It’s not just spending; they do a lot of little things.” Seeing how the Dodgers do things gives the White Sox ideas for building a foundation.
Contrast is Motivation
The contrast between the two teams is motivation for the White Sox. While the Dodgers are celebrating, the White Sox want to turn things around. “There’s no time to complain,” Getz said. “We’ve got our hands dirty and got to work.”
Young players like shortstop Colson Montgomery and top pitching prospects Noah Schultz and Hagen Smith are part of the long term plan. They won’t be in big league camp this year but they’re a sign of things to come.
Key Players to Watch
Dodgers’ Stars
- Yoshinobu Yamamoto: The $325 million ace made waves with his first bullpen session of the spring.
- Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Shohei Ohtani: These perennial All-Stars anchor a roster built to win now.
White Sox’s Emerging Talent
- Luis Robert Jr. and Andrew Vaughn: Holdovers from last season looking to rebound.
- Colson Montgomery: A power-hitting shortstop who homered in the team’s first spring game.
- Noah Schultz and Hagen Smith: Top pitching prospects expected to anchor the rotation in the coming years.
FAQs About the Shared Spring Training Experience
Why do the Dodgers and White Sox share Camelback Ranch?
Camelback Ranch has been the spring training home of the Dodgers and White Sox since 2009. It’s located in Glendale, Arizona so both teams get to enjoy the sunshine.
How does sharing a facility impact the White Sox?
Being around a winning team like the Dodgers is inspiring and teaches professionalism and player development for the rebuilding White Sox.
What are the White Sox challenges this season?
After losing 121 games in 2024, the White Sox need to balance young talent with on-field improvement. Growing pains are inevitable but progress will be measured by development not wins.
Are there any bright spots for the White Sox this spring?
Yes! The White Sox have added veteran free agents like Joey Gallo and Brandon Drury to mentor the young players. Plus their farm system is top 5 in baseball so there’s hope for the future.
Will the White Sox ever be like the Dodgers?
It’ll take time but the White Sox are committed to building through their farm system and making smart investments. Learning from teams like the Dodgers will help them get to contention faster.
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