If 2025 has taught us nothing else, it’s that the White Sox have one of the weirdest talents. Chicago has a knack for adding the most random players, specifically pitchers, who provide better results than most free agent signings. 2024 Rule 5 draft picks Mike Vasil and Shane Smith are prime examples of this quirky gift.

Vasil and Smith have provided more value to the Sox than nearly every free agent signed in the offseason. Vasil was selected by the Phillies in the Rule 5 Draft last year, presumably in a paid pick, as Vasil was immediately sold to the Rays. Vasil was then claimed by the Sox off of waivers. He has the highest WAR (2.3) of any rostered reliever, and his 5-3 record, 2.54 ERA, and 53 strikeouts through 71 innings make him the best reliever on the White Sox. Smith, the Sox’s own Rule 5 draft pick last year, has been a surprising staple in the rotation. He was the best starter in April with a 2.23 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP in six games. Although his June and July starts weren’t pretty, Smith was the club’s sole All-Star pick, with a larger impact than many anticipated.

Putting the recently-traded Adrian Houser aside, Vasil and Smith rank among the top five pitchers on the active roster. And they should be proud of their impact on the team. Neither has been demoted to Triple-A this year, a setback that seems certain for nearly every rookie, and both have proven potential to be effective starters.

While Justin Dunn, Cam Booser, Bryse Wilson, and recently-released Penn Murfee haven’t worked out for Chicago, Vasil and Smith are evidence that there are diamonds in the rough.