The Chicago White Sox didn’t wait long to shake up their roster—and the timing of their first move is already drawing scrutiny.
Sep 23, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; Chicago White Sox pitcher Tyler Gilbert (40) pitches against the New York Yankees during the sixth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images | John Jones-Imagn Images
Just days into the season, Chicago claimed left-handed reliever Bryan Hudson off waivers and optioned Tyler Gilbert to Triple-A Charlotte. On the surface, it’s a routine transaction. But given how the bullpen was constructed out of spring training, the decision raises deeper questions.
Gilbert, 32, had a rough outing in the opener, allowing two earned runs in just one inning. Still, the quick demotion feels abrupt, especially considering how the White Sox handled their other options leading into Opening Day.
Most notably, Ryan Borucki was not retained despite a strong spring performance. Instead, he opted out of his minor league deal and quickly signed with the San Francisco Giants. At the time, it appeared Chicago wanted to give Gilbert a legitimate shot in the bullpen.
That context makes the latest move harder to ignore.
If the plan was to send Gilbert down almost immediately, why not keep Borucki and delay Gilbert’s promotion altogether? The sequence of decisions suggests the White Sox may have lost a useful arm without maximizing their roster flexibility.
To be fair, Chicago had a surplus of left-handed relievers, and Gilbert’s minor league option made him the easiest choice to move. From a purely logistical standpoint, the decision checks out. But roster building is as much about timing and asset management as it is about depth.
There’s still a path for Gilbert to factor into the team’s plans.
If Hudson performs well—particularly if he replicates the form he showed in 2024—he could become a trade candidate by midseason. That would open the door for Gilbert to return, either as bullpen depth or even as a spot starter if needed.
Gilbert has shown he can contribute at the major league level. Last season, he quietly posted solid numbers, finishing among the team’s better pitchers in ERA, WHIP, and limiting home runs. Opposing hitters struggled to square him up, and his experience offers value on a roster that may lean younger as the season unfolds.
There are other moving parts, too. Veterans like Erick Fedde could also become trade chips if they perform well, creating additional opportunities for pitchers like Gilbert to step back into a meaningful role.
And then there’s Gilbert’s unique place in baseball history. He remains one of the rare pitchers to throw a no-hitter in his first career start—a reminder of the upside that still exists, even if his role fluctuates.
For now, he’s headed to the minors.
But given the uncertainty surrounding the White Sox roster—and the decisions already being questioned—it wouldn’t be surprising if Tyler Gilbert finds his way back to Chicago sooner rather than later.
Leave a Reply