Vinnie Pasquantino has spent enough time facing the Chicago White Sox to know their bullpen presents a tougher task than the name recognition might suggest. That experience has the Kansas City Royals first baseman believing Chicago can push the Cleveland Guardians to the limit in the ALDS.

The White Sox head into Saturday afternoon’s opener after sweeping the Houston Astros in the Wild Card round. Pasquantino sees a pitching staff capable of helping them extend that postseason run.

“In my opinion, the White Sox are built for these series because they can just go to the bullpen,” Pasquantino said on The Rich Eisen Show. “If you look at some of the names in the bullpen, as a casual fan or if you don't know the White Sox, you don't think much of it. But having faced these guys, it is uncomfortable at-bats; their pitching coach does a great job…”

"I do think the White Sox are alive in this series for sure."

—@VPasquantino on the White Sox ahead of their series against the Guardians ⚾️

(via @RichEisenShow) pic.twitter.com/RMXt0MCWmC

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 2, 2026

That assessment carries weight coming from a division opponent. Pasquantino’s confidence comes from standing in the batter’s box against those pitchers, where unfamiliar names can quickly become difficult matchups.

Article Continues Below

A reliable bullpen also gives Chicago flexibility in a short series. The White Sox can turn to relief options when a starter struggles or a matchup calls for a change, rather than waiting for an inning to get away from them.

But Pasquantino identified a complication: Cleveland knows those arms, too.

“The disadvantage is that they are playing a team they have played all year. If anyone is going to know the White Sox, it's the Guardians,” he said. “I think this series will go five. Whoever plays the little things better will win that series. I do think the White Sox are alive in this series for sure.”

The regular-season results support his expectation of a close matchup. Chicago edged Cleveland 7-6, with only a one-run differential between the teams.