The White Sox’s rotation picture changed fast after the trade deadline, and the biggest question now is how Chicago lines up its starters if the postseason push carries all the way through.
Erick Fedde is headed to the bullpen following the trade for Luis Castillo, a move that reshapes the group at the top and clears a path for the newer look of the staff. Castillo, acquired by the White Sox on Saturday, is expected to make his Chicago debut this week against the Boston Red Sox.
He arrives with a 5.06 ERA in 20 games this year, but his track record is still strong enough to put him in the conversation for a prominent October role. In his postseason career, he owns a 2.25 ERA.
The most striking development in this rotation has been Sean Burke’s rise. What started as a season with real doubts about his place in the rotation has turned into a stretch where he’s been the club’s most dependable starter.
Over his last seven games, Burke has posted a 1.45 ERA across 43.1 innings and struck out 59. The command issues that once made him a question mark have given way to a pitcher the White Sox can trust to attack the right spot at the right time.
Davis Martin still figures into the mix, even though his recent run has been uneven. He was the team’s ace for the first couple of months of 2026, but his form has slipped lately.
Over his last 15 starts, Martin has a 4.39 ERA, a noticeable drop from the 2.41 ERA he carried on June 10. He has no playoff experience, but his command could still play well in a postseason setting.
If he gets back to the level he showed earlier in the year, Chicago’s rotation looks a lot stronger.
Anthony Kay has also worked his way into the conversation after an uneven start. His last seven outings have produced a 3.48 ERA, highlighted by a 6.1-inning shutout against Tampa Bay on Sunday. He could be moved to the bullpen in October, but he also gives the White Sox a capable option at the back end if injuries force their hand.
Noah Schultz was not moved on deadline day and was sent back to Charlotte, a sign the White Sox are showing more confidence in the young left-hander. He has looked better in his last few starts, though fans likely would not feel great about relying on him in a postseason rotation. Still, if Burke, Castillo, Martin, and Kay stay healthy, Chicago shouldn’t need to go that deep.
It adds up to a rotation with real potential, even if the White Sox may have missed a chance to make it even stronger before the deadline.
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