The Chicago White Sox weren’t supposed to be the team making noise in the pitching market right now.
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Not with a rebuild still unfolding. Not with the focus shifting toward young talent. Not with the assumption that 2026 would be more about development than aggressive spending.
But a new MLB insider update just put the White Sox in a conversation that fans weren’t expecting — and it may be a sign that Chris Getz isn’t finished reshaping this roster.
The White Sox Just Got Named in a “Half-the-League” Pitching Market Update — and That Matters
After trading Luis Robert Jr. last week, the White Sox suddenly gained financial breathing room, reportedly freeing up around $20 million in payroll flexibility.
The first major move that followed was an agreement with RHP Seranthony Domínguez, who is expected to step in as Chicago’s closer.
That signing helped stabilize the bullpen, but it didn’t exactly scream “mission accomplished.”
And now, Jon Heyman of The New York Post dropped a pitching-market update that included an unexpected cameo:
A list of teams “still seriously considering starting pitchers with two weeks to go” — and the White Sox were on it.
The tweet itself didn’t reveal much beyond that, but the takeaway is clear: Chicago is still in the mix for a starter.
With Spring Training right around the corner, even being mentioned suggests the front office is actively engaged.
The White Sox Rotation Looks Like It Needs One More Adult in the Room
Even without a direct statement from Getz that “we’re adding a starter,” the roster basically says it for him.
As currently constructed, the White Sox rotation appears to be built around:
- Shane Smith
- Davis Martin
- Anthony Kay
Those three feel like the closest thing to “locks.”
After that, it gets shaky.
The next names up are likely:
- Sean Burke
- Sean Newcomb
Burke flashed upside in 2025, including a 10-strikeout performance late in the year — but the word that continues to follow him is inconsistency.
Newcomb is even trickier. He has posted better results as a reliever in recent years and hasn’t been asked to handle a full starter’s workload in a long time. Betting on him as a rotation piece from Day 1 is the kind of gamble that tends to unravel quickly.
That’s why the idea of adding a veteran starter makes so much sense.
Not a star.
Not an ace.
Just someone who can take the ball every fifth day, eat innings, and prevent the staff from falling into chaos by May.
The Free Agent Market Still Has Big Names… But Chicago’s Shopping Lane Is Clear
The pitching market is loaded with recognizable options, including:
- Framber Valdez
- Zac Gallen
- Lucas Giolito
- Chris Bassitt
- Zack Littell
- Justin Verlander
- Max Scherzer
That’s serious talent.
But let’s be honest — the White Sox aren’t realistically diving into the Valdez or Gallen tier. Not right now. Not in this stage of the build.
What’s far more likely is a mid-tier or lower-tier signing on a short-term deal. The type of pitcher who helps stabilize the rotation while prospects continue to develop.
And it’s not just Heyman’s tweet feeding that idea.
The White Sox Have Been Linked to Starting Pitching All Winter
This isn’t a random rumor popping up out of nowhere.
Chicago has been connected to the starting pitcher market multiple times throughout the offseason:
- Ken Rosenthal (The Athletic) reported White Sox interest in Griffin Canning and mentioned the team was looking for another starter on a one-year deal.
- Jeff Passan (ESPN) reported in December that the White Sox were among the most aggressive teams pursuing mid-tier starting pitching.
That pattern matters.
Because when multiple credible reporters point to the same need — and the roster still looks unfinished — it’s usually not just smoke.
Chris Getz Said the Key Words: “Very Active”
After the Robert trade, Getz made it clear that this wasn’t a “sell and sit still” moment.
He emphasized that the team now has flexibility and intends to keep moving.
And while adding Domínguez was a strong start, one bullpen signing alone doesn’t feel like the type of offseason that matches that promise.
If the White Sox truly want to take a step forward in 2026 — even a small one — they can’t enter the season hoping the rotation survives on upside and improvisation.
They need stability.
They need depth.
They need someone who reduces the pressure on Burke, Newcomb, and the rest of the young arms.
The Clock Is Ticking — But the White Sox Aren’t Done
With less than two weeks until Spring Training begins, the White Sox are running out of time to make their final upgrades.
But this pitching-market mention is a reminder:
Chicago is still shopping.
They still have room to add.
And if they land even one dependable veteran starter, it could be the difference between a season that spirals early… and a season that actually builds momentum for the future.
For White Sox fans, patience is hard after three straight 100-loss seasons.
But the signs are there.
Chris Getz isn’t done — and the next move might come faster than anyone expects.
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