The White Sox are in an intriguing position this season, boasting more promising young talent among their position players than pitchers-a refreshing change of pace for the franchise. Even so, they have two standout pitching prospects in Hagen Smith and Noah Schultz, both of whom are ranked in the top 100. Yet, the real buzz is around their emerging young bats, which are earning high praise across the league.
While the pitching rotation isn't currently the team's strongest suit, there's potential for growth. If Smith and Schultz develop into ace-level pitchers and Tanner McDougal steps up as a top-of-the-rotation arm, the narrative could shift. But for now, there are questions surrounding the depth and consistency of their pitching staff.
Enter Grant Taylor, a young, electrifying arm already making waves on the roster. Reports suggest the White Sox are considering stretching Taylor out for more innings, as he was a starter in college and the minors.
However, it seems he's set to make his mark from the bullpen this year. This decision sparks a classic debate: Should a 24-year-old with a blazing fastball remain in the bullpen if he excels, or should he transition back to starting?
Last season, Taylor posted a 4.91 ERA over 36 innings, striking out an impressive 54 batters, which translates to a stellar 13.25 K/9 ratio. While his ERA was inflated by a few tough outings in the summer, he rebounded beautifully, finishing the season with eight scoreless innings in September, fanning 15 batters. His spring debut was equally impressive, featuring a perfect inning with two strikeouts, including a 101 mph heater that left Brenton Doyle frozen.
Taylor's minor league success in multi-inning stints, despite limited pitch counts, underscores his potential. Armed with a devastating off-speed arsenal alongside his triple-digit fastball, he's a rare talent. The White Sox face a dilemma: Should they develop him into a starter, a role generally more valuable to a team, or let him dominate as one of the game's premier relievers?
This decision hinges on the performance of other young arms like Schultz, Smith, Shane Smith, and McDougal. If they rise to their potential, Taylor might continue his bullpen dominance. But if they falter, the door could open for Taylor to stretch out his innings.
Regardless of his role, Taylor is poised to be a crucial component of the White Sox pitching staff this season. There's even buzz about a potential All-Star nod from the bullpen. It's a good problem to have, and it will be fascinating to see how this situation unfolds.