The White Sox have stayed active this offseason, and their latest move adds another layer to a roster that’s slowly taking shape. Chicago has reportedly agreed to terms with outfielder Austin Hays, formerly of the Cincinnati Reds. It’s a move that doesn’t necessarily shift the balance of power in the AL Central, but it does give the Sox a much-needed boost in the outfield - and signals that the front office isn’t content to sit idle after dealing Luis Robert Jr.
Let’s be clear: Hays isn’t a superstar, but he’s a proven big leaguer who brings a steady glove and a capable bat to a lineup that needed both. It’s a savvy addition for a team that’s trying to retool on the fly rather than tear it all down. With Hays in the mix, the White Sox outfield suddenly looks a lot more competent than it did just a few weeks ago.
But while the lineup is rounding into something more respectable, it’s the rotation that still needs work - and that’s where things get tricky. With around $16 million of the Robert Jr. savings already spent, the Sox are reportedly working with about $4 million left from that pool. That’s not going to land a top-tier arm, but it doesn’t mean they’re out of options, either.
Don’t expect a splashy name like Zac Gallen or Framber Valdez to walk through the door. That’s not the lane the Sox are in right now. What they need is a dependable starter who can soak up innings and hold the line until some of the young arms - think Noah Schultz and Hagen Smith - are ready to make the leap.
One name that’s been floated is a familiar one: Erick Fedde. The right-hander is still on the market, and his history with the White Sox could make him an appealing option. Fedde was one of the first free agents signed by GM Chris Getz after his promotion, and while his 2025 season didn’t go as planned, there’s reason to believe he could still offer value.
Last year, Fedde logged 141 innings with a 5.49 ERA, 83 strikeouts, and a 1.52 WHIP - numbers that don’t jump off the page. But context matters.
He finished the season strong with the Brewers and is just one year removed from a breakout 2024 campaign with the White Sox, where he posted a 3.11 ERA over 121 innings, struck out 108, and carried a 1.18 WHIP. That performance helped facilitate a three-team deal that brought Miguel Vargas over from the Dodgers - no small feat.
So what happened in 2025? It’s tough to say exactly, but it’s not uncommon for pitchers to hit bumps after a career year. The good news is that Fedde still has familiarity with the White Sox coaching staff, and that kind of continuity can go a long way in helping a player rediscover his form.
Even if Fedde doesn’t replicate his 2024 numbers, he doesn’t need to. The Sox just need someone who can take the ball every fifth day and give them a chance to compete - especially while they wait for their top prospects to arrive and for the rotation to stabilize. In that context, Fedde could be a smart, low-risk pickup.
At this point in the offseason, a minor league deal with incentives might be enough to get something done. And for a White Sox team that’s looking to make incremental progress without breaking the bank, that could be the kind of move that pays off quietly but meaningfully.
Bottom line: the White Sox aren’t done yet. They’ve taken steps to improve the lineup, and now the focus shifts to the mound. A veteran arm like Fedde - someone who knows the organization and has shown he can succeed in Chicago - could be exactly what they need to bridge the gap between where they are now and where they want to be.