GLENDALE, Ariz. — The Chicago White Sox took an unconventional approach when they hired Zach Bove as their pitching coach in November. Walking around Camelback Ranch in a black T-shirt reading “My Strengths, Their Problems,” Bove has already introduced a new mindset that the pitching staff has embraced.
Brynn Anderson/AP
Bove’s philosophy is simple: instead of obsessing over hitters’ weaknesses, pitchers should focus on what they do best.
“We want to educate guys on what they’re really good at,” Bove explained. “Then focus on those strengths. Don’t worry about the hitters and stuff like that, and they’ll be in a pretty good spot.”
A different approach to pitching strategy
In recent years, most MLB pitching strategies have leaned heavily on analytics—breaking down hitters’ tendencies through video and data to exploit specific weaknesses.
Bove’s approach flips that script slightly. Rather than building game plans around hitters, he encourages pitchers to master their own arsenal first.
“Whatever your speed, whatever your arsenal, whatever your location, just be good at that,” Bove said. “This game is hard enough, so we’re not going to add any complexity to it.”
Early signs suggest players are buying into the concept. According to Bove, pitchers have started using the language he promotes when reviewing their outings, often noting when they feel they weren’t pitching like themselves.
Early spring results show promise
The White Sox pitching staff struggled during the 2025 season, finishing:
- 20th in MLB with a 4.26 team ERA
- 21st among starting rotations with a 4.39 ERA
The starters were responsible for 54 of the team’s 102 losses, highlighting how much improvement was needed.
While spring training results are only a small sample, the early returns are encouraging. Through the first 13 Cactus League games, the White Sox posted a 3.85 ERA, ranking first in the Cactus League and sixth in baseball.
An unusual path to pitching coach
Bove’s journey to the role is anything but typical. The 37-year-old was originally a first baseman, playing college baseball at Central Florida and Flagler College.
He later worked as a hitting coach at the high school and collegiate levels before eventually transitioning to pitching instruction.
Before joining the White Sox, Bove spent three seasons as an assistant pitching coach with the Kansas City Royals, where the pitching staff posted a 3.73 ERA in 2025, ranking sixth in Major League Baseball.
That experience helped build his reputation despite never pitching professionally.
A fresh perspective for a young staff
The White Sox pitching staff is relatively young and flexible, making it a good group to experiment with new ideas.
Unlike veteran-heavy rotations that might resist changes, Bove says the pitchers have been receptive to his approach.
“They’re starting to listen,” he said. “The message and the training are showing up in games.”
Whether the philosophy leads to long-term improvement remains to be seen. For now, the White Sox are willing to embrace a fresh perspective—and Bove is eager to see how it plays out.
“I’ll let you know in a month, or maybe two months,” he said. “So will everybody else.” ⚾
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