White Sox fall to Cardinals 6-2 on June 17, 2025, as Spencer Smith struggles. Miguel Vargas shines, but the focus remains on the team's ongoing rebuild.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Another night, another tough loss at Guaranteed Rate Field. The final score read 6-2 in favor of the St. Louis Cardinals, dropping the White Sox to a painful 21-51 on the season. But for a team this deep in a rebuild, the final score is often just a footnote. The real story on Tuesday was written in the transactions, the minor league awards, and the manager's post-game message: the future is coming, one piece at a time.
We’re in a tough stretch, but we’re committed to developing our young core and building for the future.
The on-field result was a familiar one. Starter Spencer Smith couldn't find his footing, lasting just 4.1 innings while giving up five runs (four earned) in the 6-2 loss. A two-run homer by former Cub Willson Contreras in the third inning set the tone for the Cardinals. The lone bright spot for the Chicago offense came from Miguel Vargas, who drove in both Sox runs with a sixth-inning double. His recent performance has been a small beacon of hope, as he extended his personal hitting streak to eight games with a 2-for-4 night.
While the big league club struggled, the organizational churn provided a glimpse of what's to come. The Sox officially recalled infielder Chase Meidroth from Triple-A Charlotte, a key piece acquired in the Garrett Crochet trade. He takes the roster spot of Zach Remillard and is expected to get a long look at second and third base. Meanwhile, the system's crown jewel, Noah Schultz, continued his dominance, earning International League Pitcher of the Week honors after a masterful 7-inning, 10-strikeout, shutout performance for Charlotte. His highly anticipated MLB debut later this summer can't come soon enough.
Manager Pedro Grifol's post-game comments about patience and development perfectly matched the day's moves. The front office is leaning into this theme, too, announcing a 'Rebuild Night' promotion for an upcoming homestand. The event, featuring discounted tickets and prospect-focused giveaways, is a refreshingly honest attempt to keep fans engaged by shifting the focus from the present struggles to the promise of future stars like Schultz and Meidroth.
The losses are tough to watch, and Tuesday's defeat was no exception. But the White Sox are making their plan crystal clear. With players like Chase Meidroth getting their shot and aces-in-waiting like Noah Schultz dominating the minors, the focus is squarely on 2026 and beyond. Now, we watch and wait to see what these kids can do.
