As Opening Day approaches, the final roster decisions are rarely clean.
May 6, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Nationals relief pitcher Lucas Sims (39) delivers a pitch during the seventh inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: James A. Pittman-Imagn Images | James A. Pittman-Imagn Images
For the Chicago White Sox, that reality showed up once again in the form of a familiar name — and a move that may not be finished yet.
After a wave of late spring opt-outs, the White Sox have brought back right-hander Lucas Sims on a new minor league deal. It’s a quick turnaround that reflects both the fluid nature of roster construction and the uncertainty still surrounding Chicago’s bullpen.
Just days earlier, Sims had opted out alongside veterans Ryan Borucki and LaMonte Wade Jr., testing the market in search of a major league opportunity.
Borucki quickly found one.
Sims did not.
Instead, he returned to Chicago — a decision that raises questions but also hints at opportunity. Whether it was a lack of big-league offers or a belief that the White Sox provide his best path back, the result is the same: Sims is back in the mix.
And the timing is notable.
With only days remaining before Opening Day, the White Sox bullpen is still unsettled. There are open questions about depth, roles, and reliability — the kind of uncertainty that often leads to last-minute adjustments.
Sims could be part of that solution.
The 31-year-old brings a track record that, while uneven, includes periods of real effectiveness. He was a key contributor in 2023, posting a strong ERA across a full season and proving capable of handling high-leverage situations.
Last year told a different story.
Struggles led to a midseason demotion, and his market value dropped accordingly. That’s why he entered this spring on a minor league deal, looking to rebuild his case.
So far, he’s done just that.
In a limited but impressive spring sample, Sims threw six scoreless innings with eight strikeouts. More importantly, the underlying metrics suggest those results weren’t a fluke. He limited hard contact, avoided barrels, and showed a deep pitch mix that graded well across the board.
The stuff is there.
The challenge, as it has been before, is consistency — particularly command.
If Sims can limit walks and maintain his pitch quality, he has the tools to contribute at the major league level. And for a team still searching for bullpen stability, that potential carries weight.
That’s what makes this reunion more than just a minor transaction.
It’s a low-risk move with upside, one that gives the White Sox another option as they finalize their roster. And with additional moves likely in the coming days — whether through trades, waivers, or internal promotions — the bullpen remains a focal point.
Sims may not be guaranteed a spot on Opening Day.
But his return suggests the White Sox aren’t done evaluating — or adjusting.
And given how unpredictable bullpen performance can be over a full season, it wouldn’t be surprising if this familiar face ends up playing a meaningful role before long.
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