The Chicago White Sox are gearing up for an intriguing spring as they sort out their starting rotation. With 10 pitchers vying for five spots, manager Will Venable has some decisions to make. Let's dive into the candidates and what they bring to the table.
Shane Smith, Anthony Kay, and Davis Martin seem to have a solid grip on three of those coveted spots. Smith, last season’s lone All-Star for the White Sox, delivered a commendable 3.81 ERA. His consistency makes him a reliable top-of-the-rotation arm.
Martin, on the other hand, showcased potential with a 4.10 ERA and an impressive 46% ground-ball rate. He’s shaping up to be a dependable middle-of-the-rotation option.
Kay is an exciting offseason addition, coming off a stellar performance in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball with a 1.74 ERA over 155 innings. His return to the MLB on a two-year, $12 million deal indicates the White Sox see him as a pivotal piece for 2026.
Erick Fedde is another intriguing candidate. After a breakout 2024 with a 3.11 ERA for the White Sox, he's back on a one-year deal.
However, his 2025 season was rocky, with a 5.49 ERA across three teams. If he can regain his form, Fedde could solidify the back end of the rotation.
If not, he might find himself in a swingman role out of the bullpen.
Sean Burke has shown promise but needs to address his inconsistency. Last season, he posted a 4.22 ERA but struggled with control, evidenced by a high walk rate. His development this spring will be crucial, and he’s off to a good start with two scoreless innings in Cactus League action.
Drew Thorpe is on the comeback trail after Tommy John surgery sidelined him for 2025. While he’s likely to start the season in Triple-A to ease back into action, his recovery and performance will be closely monitored.
Sean Newcomb and Jordan Hicks both present interesting cases. Newcomb has excelled as a reliever, boasting a 2.19 ERA last season in relief roles.
Hicks, known for his blazing fastball, has also found more success out of the bullpen. Both may ultimately be more effective in relief roles, where they can maximize their strengths.
Mike Vasil emerged as a key bullpen piece last season, making it hard to justify moving him to a starting role. His 2.50 ERA and ability to induce ground balls make him a valuable asset in relief.
As for David Sandlin and Tanner McDougal, they have the potential to develop into middle-of-the-rotation starters but will likely begin the season in the minors to hone their skills.
Projected Starting Rotation:
- Shane Smith
- Anthony Kay
- Davis Martin
- Erick Fedde
- Sean Burke
With this lineup, the White Sox are poised to make some noise this season, blending proven talent with intriguing potential. As spring training unfolds, these pitchers will be looking to cement their roles and set the tone for a successful campaign.