The major focus this offseason will be what the Chicago White Sox pitching staff will look like next season. Coming off a high-stakes 2026 postseason campaign, the bullpen was really tested, having been the strength of the team during the regular season. But there will likely be some changes in the bullpen as we head into 2027 (if we have a normal season next year as the Major League Baseball lockout looms). Some changes will be enforced to ensure some of the young arms become starters or head back to the minors for better development.
Also, some pitchers have shown they aren’t part of the Sox relief corps going forward. Erick Fedde, Trevor Richards and Sean Newcomb are amongst the free agents expected not to be back next season. However, there’s a high probability that the White Sox might bring back 33-year-old Newcomb with a short-term deal, considering his consistent performance out of the pen in 2026. But should they allow Newcomb to walk away, it will still be an understandable move by the organization.
The White Sox Bullpen’s High Leverage Arms
The White Sox boast of the two most electric, powerful arms in the American League. Grant Taylor and Jordan Hicks are the two most consistent relievers in the Sox bullpen and were pivotal throughout the season. Taylor posted a 2.25 ERA, made 10 saves, and pitched in 84 innings, while striking out 106 batters. The 29-year-old could transition into a starter in 2027, as he carries a devastating, high-spin fastball and sharp breaking balls. However, the central question for next season will be finding consistency as his workload increases, while reducing his walk rate in high-stress games.
Oct 3, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Chicago White Sox pitcher Grant Taylor (31) pitches during the ninth inning against the Cleveland Guardians in game one of the ALDS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Hicks, 29, was one of the few pitchers who stepped up in his production in 2026, ultimately earning Will Venable’s trust. He recorded a 4.19 ERA in 61.1 innings and earned 56 strikeouts. If he can get his control on the mound better, he could be a step-up closer. When he’s at his best, he’s very hard to hit, and when he’s off, he walks too many hitters before finding his rhythm. With his fastball pitching strength, if he can keep it in the zone, he can be a key part of the bullpen heading into a walk year.
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The Middle of the Bridge Pitchers
While the White Sox rely heavily on closers, they also command a strong middle-inning pitching staff that helps dictate the game. One of them is Bryan Hudson, who is under the team’s control for next season, which makes him a good inning eater. He pitched in just 67 1/3 innings in 2026, posting a solid 3.74 ERA overall and 59 strikeouts. He’s just under 1 WAR, and he’s considered a semi-reliable middle guy who isn’t on the high-leverage list but is more valuable than just a mop-up pitcher.
Tyler Davis didn’t get too many opportunities on the mound in 2026, but did his best each time he was called upon. In 32 1/3 innings, he recorded a 3.66 ERA and 37 strikeouts. Davis was part of the roster for the postseason, but pitched just three innings in seven games.
Oct 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox pitcher Tyler Davis (63) throws a pitch during the eighth inning against the Cleveland Guardians in game four of the ALDS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
The other player is Huascar Brazobán, who was acquired by the Sox at the trade deadline. He struggled early after arriving in Chicago despite having a good 2026 with the Mets before the trade. Then he joined the injured list for about a month; then he came back and was decent. Brazoban posted a decent 2.96 ERA in 67.0 innings. He didn’t make the White Sox’s ALDS roster. But he’s under the team’s control through 2029 and could become a key member of the pen by earning Venable’s trust.
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Newcomb is meant to be on this list, but he’s not guaranteed another contract offer. Nonetheless, the White Sox will be looking to move on from veteran free agents as they will demand a higher ceiling next season, while making room for younger prospects.
The Mix: Prospect Pipeline and Starters
The White Sox will have one of the most fascinating dynamics in 2027 as they will have a strong bullpen but also a sheer volume of young starting pitching talent that is willing to become high-level relief. Hagen Smith, Noah Schultz, David Sandlin, Shane Smith, and Jonathan Cannon are all guys who seem to be likely starters, but any of them could get some time in the bullpen as the season progresses.
Mike Vasil and Jordan Leasure will likely be back from injuries, and Sean Burke can be counted on at any time. However, there will be a pitch-count restriction for young arms like Smith and Sandlin, while giving them the right exposure to becoming a top starter. Meanwhile, the White Sox’s starting rotation is the biggest question mark, as they need stronger arms so that the young pitchers wouldn’t be overtaxed. And the bullpen isn’t 100 percent set, and there’s still work to be done. But that is less than what needs to be done in the starting rotation. There’s hope that the 2027 bullpen will be more solid than the 2026 unit.
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Main Photo Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
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