The Chicago White Sox are finally showing signs of life after three lean years, and with that comes a familiar feeling for South Side fans: it's time to start complaining about the disrespect. But this time, there's actual merit behind the frustration.

Davis Martin takes the mound today in the rubber match against the Seattle Mariners, and he's been nothing short of spectacular. His 1.64 ERA ranks second-best in the American League, yet you wouldn't know it from the national conversation. ESPN's purported Top 10 Cy Young favorites don't even include him, while his opponent today, Logan Gilbert, made the cut despite a 4.30 ERA that would be his worst since his rookie season. It's a slight that feels all too familiar for a franchise that's often overlooked.

But the numbers tell a different story. Tom Tango's Cy Young prediction algorithm, which mirrors how voters actually weigh stats, has Martin in third place based on ERA and second based on FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching). That's not just good—that's elite company. Of course, the same projections also cast doubt on whether he can keep this pace, forecasting a finish in 14th or 16th place. Today is another chance for Martin to prove the skeptics wrong.

The 29-year-old righty has worked into the seventh inning in four of his last five starts, and another deep outing would push this run into historic territory for a pitcher who's waited a long time for his moment. Meanwhile, manager Will Venable might have found his leadoff hitter of the future in Sam Antonacci. Hitting first, Antonacci is 5-for-17 (.294) with two walks, two of his trademark hit-by-pitches, and five runs scored. After cycling through options early in the season, that kind of production at the top of the order is exactly what this lineup needs.

For White Sox fans, this series finale isn't just about a win—it's about respect. And Davis Martin is ready to earn it, one inning at a time.