The Chicago White Sox didn’t waste any time putting their offseason plan into motion. After dealing Luis Robert Jr. in a move that freed up payroll, GM Chris Getz promised that the money saved would be reinvested into the roster.
And so far, he’s backing that up. The latest move?
A major bullpen upgrade.
The White Sox have agreed to a two-year, $20 million deal with veteran reliever Seranthony Domínguez, according to multiple reports. The 31-year-old right-hander is expected to step in as the team’s closer - and based on recent performance, he’s more than capable of anchoring the back end of the bullpen.
Domínguez split last season between the Orioles and Blue Jays, appearing in 67 games and logging 62.2 innings with a 3.16 ERA. He struck out 79 batters, walked 30, and posted a 1.277 WHIP - solid numbers that reflect his ability to miss bats and navigate high-leverage situations. His fastball averaged 97.7 mph last year, and when he’s commanding it, hitters have a tough time catching up.
In the postseason, Domínguez showed his value on the big stage. Pitching for Toronto, he worked 11 innings with a 3.18 ERA. While the 11 walks in that stretch weren’t ideal, he managed to limit the damage and keep runs off the board - a sign of a veteran who knows how to pitch under pressure.
Over his seven-year MLB career, Domínguez has consistently brought swing-and-miss stuff to the mound. He owns a 3.50 career ERA and an elite 10.6 K/9 rate. Yes, the walks have been an issue - he's averaged 5.0 BB/9 - but he's shown time and again that he can work around traffic and still get outs when it matters most.
This signing immediately gives the White Sox something they badly needed: a proven closer. Domínguez has 40 career saves, more than triple the total of anyone else currently on Chicago’s roster. That kind of experience at the back end is invaluable, especially for a team trying to stabilize after a turbulent stretch.
Pairing Domínguez with lefty Sean Newcomb and young right-hander Grant Taylor gives the Sox a late-inning trio that could be one of their most reliable in recent years. It’s a group that brings a mix of power, experience, and upside - and it should give manager Pedro Grifol more confidence when handing over a lead in the seventh inning or later.
This move also signals that Chicago isn’t done yet. The bullpen was just one area in need of attention, but with Domínguez now in place, the front office can turn its focus to other pressing needs - namely, adding another outfielder and bolstering the starting rotation. If those pieces fall into place, the decision to move on from Robert Jr. might start to make a lot more sense.
For now, the White Sox have landed a high-impact arm with closing experience and swing-and-miss stuff. Domínguez brings a level of stability and pedigree to a bullpen that desperately needed both. It’s a strong step forward - and if Getz keeps building, it may not be the last.