As the White Sox gear up for the season, all eyes might be on Munetaka Murakami and the outfield, but there's an intriguing battle brewing on the pitching front. While Shane Smith, Davis Martin, and Anthony Kay seem to have secured their spots in the starting rotation, the team is opening up the competition for the last two slots. Erick Fedde's reunion with the team likely nails down the fourth spot, but the early spring games suggest that the battle is wide open.
The rotation schedule is already set: Chris Murphy takes the mound on Saturday, Sean Burke on Sunday, and Shane Smith will start Monday in Scottsdale.
The White Sox aren't wasting any time in sorting out their roster. Jonathan Cannon, who faced challenges in 2025, kicked off the Cactus League opener on Friday, vying for his place.
Chris Murphy, brought over from the Red Sox in a November trade, is eyeing a swingman role and will pitch on Saturday. Sean Burke, who started Opening Day in 2025 but struggled with consistency, will get his chance to prove himself on Sunday.
With manager Will Venable hinting at ten arms in the running for rotation spots, excluding top prospects Noah Schultz, Hagen Smith, and Tanner McDougal, let's dive into some of the other contenders who could make waves this spring.
RHP David Sandlin
Sandlin might be in the same tier as Schultz, Smith, and McDougal. His first stint in Triple-A in 2025 was rocky, possibly due to his role as a reliever.
The White Sox see starter potential in him and believe he could contribute as soon as this year. While his lack of Triple-A experience might be a concern, the team has a history of promoting players straight from Double-A.
A strong spring could put Sandlin in serious contention.
RHP Duncan Davitt
Acquired from the Rays in the Adrian Houser trade, Davitt logged a career-high 152 innings across three minor league teams in 2025. His addition to the 40-man roster this offseason signals the White Sox's confidence in his future. A solid spring could thrust him into the competition, and even if he doesn't make the Opening Day roster, he could be among the first called up when reinforcements are needed.
LHP Sean Newcomb
Initially seen as a left-handed boost to the bullpen, Newcomb is now being considered for a rotation spot. He began his career as a starter with the Braves but found more success as a reliever.
While he might ultimately fit better in the bullpen for the White Sox, the team is open to letting him compete for a starting role. Someone is bound to make a strong case for him to settle into the bullpen.
Other pitchers like RHP Austin Voth, LHP Shane Murphy, and RHP Mike Vasil are also in the mix. As camp progresses, fans should keep a close watch on this exciting competition.