With just a month until Opening Day, MLB teams are shifting their focus from the offseason to the season ahead. The White Sox, active in adding talent this winter, are no exception. While they're not urgently seeking another starting pitcher, the free agency of right-handers Lucas Giolito and Zack Littell presents an opportunity they might not want to overlook.
Zack Littell seems like a perfect fit for the White Sox. Despite a rotation featuring Shane Smith, Davis Martin, Anthony Kay, and Erick Fedde, plus a battle for the fifth spot among Sean Burke, Sean Newcomb, and Mike Vasil, Littell could offer reliable innings and depth for the long haul.
It's puzzling why Littell remains unsigned. At 30, he's consistently surpassed 150 innings over the past two seasons since becoming a full-time starter.
With a 3.63 ERA in 2024 under White Sox executive Carlos Rodriguez in Tampa, and a 3.81 ERA in 2025 split between the Rays and Reds, Littell is not about overpowering hitters but excels with his Fastball, Slider, and Splitter combo, minimizing walks. His bullpen experience adds flexibility, making him an ideal addition for any team.
A versatile 30-year-old inning-eater shouldn't be a free agent this close to March.
Littell could significantly impact the White Sox's rotation competition. They have a 10-man race for starting spots and might be confident in their current options, but keeping an open mind is wise.
They used 10 different non-opener starters last season and will likely need similar depth for 162 games this year. Littell could provide veteran stability, easing the load on younger pitchers and potentially serving as a trade asset by July.
While he might not be ready for Opening Day, Littell could be the first call if a starter struggles or gets injured.
While a move of this caliber by the White Sox seems unlikely at this stage, teams like the Twins or Braves, already dealing with pitching injuries, might be more inclined to add depth. However, if the market continues to soften, the benefits for the White Sox could soon outweigh the costs.
General Manager Chris Getz is focused on the upcoming season, but keeping an eye on one more addition could be a smart move.