What happened: The Chicago White Sox hold first place, and broadcaster Chuck Garfien points to clubhouse culture as a driver of the run. The thesis is that giving young players room to be themselves has translated into on-field results.

Why it matters: A first-place perch marks a sharp turn for a franchise that spent recent years in the rebuild conversation. If the young core sustains it, the White Sox reshape the division picture and put themselves back into the postseason conversation for 2026.

What to watch: Watch whether the White Sox hold the top spot as the schedule stiffens and whether the young roster keeps producing through the summer.