As Spring Training inches closer, the White Sox are expected to bring in a wave of non-roster invitees to bolster organizational depth. That’s standard procedure this time of year. But with some financial flexibility now available-thanks to the Luis Robert Jr. situation-there’s a growing sense that the club could, and maybe should, aim a little higher than just minor league filler.
One move that quietly slipped under the radar, but deserves a closer look, is the signing of right-handed reliever Tyson Miller to a minor league deal. It didn’t make headlines when it happened on January 15, and there’s a reason for that: the transaction was buried amid a flurry of international signings posted that same day. But dig a little deeper, and there’s real potential here.
Let’s talk about why this is more than just a depth signing.
Miller, 28, put together a breakout season in 2024, splitting time between the Mariners and Cubs. Across 62 innings, he posted a 2.32 ERA and an eye-popping 0.80 WHIP.
He struck out 54 and walked just 11-a strikeout-to-walk ratio any bullpen coach would take in a heartbeat. Those aren’t just solid numbers; they’re the kind of stats that anchor late-inning roles.
For a White Sox bullpen that’s lacked consistency in recent years, that kind of production is gold.
Now, there’s a caveat. Miller missed most of the 2025 season with a left hip impingement, logging just 37.1 innings at Triple-A Iowa.
The results weren’t pretty-his ERA ballooned to 6.00-but given the injury and the layoff, that’s not entirely surprising. What matters more is whether he’s healthy now, and if the 2024 version of Miller is still in there.
The White Sox are betting that he is.
Miller’s major league track record is still relatively short-93 innings in total-and he’s bounced around a bit, with stints in multiple organizations. But when he’s right, he’s shown the ability to be a high-leverage arm. And with Baseball Reference projecting a 3.70 ERA and 1.10 WHIP over 31 innings in 2026, there’s reason to believe he can contribute meaningfully if given the opportunity.
That projection, by the way, would’ve made him one of the better bullpen arms on the South Side over the past few seasons. It’s not a stretch to imagine Miller pushing for a roster spot this spring, especially if he shows up healthy and throwing well.
In fact, he might already have an edge over other non-roster invitees. Don’t be surprised if he ends up pushing someone off the 40-man roster entirely.
This is the kind of low-risk, high-upside move that often flies under the radar but can pay real dividends. If Miller can recapture his 2024 form, the White Sox may have quietly added a difference-maker to the bullpen-without giving up prospects, draft picks, or big money. Keep an eye on him when camp opens.