The Chicago White Sox are less than two weeks away from Opening Day, and the picture of their starting rotation is finally beginning to take shape.
When the team walks out of the dugout at American Family Field to begin the 2026 season, it will mark one of the most anticipated Opening Days the franchise has had in years. While expectations for a postseason run may still be measured, the organization appears to be entering a new phase built around an emerging young core.
Players such as Colson Montgomery, Kyle Teel, Edgar Quero, and Chase Meidroth began establishing themselves in the majors last season. Behind them, prospects like Braden Montgomery, Sam Antonacci, and William Bergolla Jr. continue to strengthen a farm system that is steadily gaining attention across the league.
But if there is one area that might give White Sox fans genuine optimism, it’s the pitching staff.
A Deep Pool of Arms
Feb 27, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Chicago White Sox pitcher Sean Burke against the Milwaukee Brewers during a spring training game at American Family Fields of Phoenix. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Chicago suddenly finds itself with an impressive collection of pitchers throughout the organization.
Shane Smith enters the year fresh off an All-Star campaign and is expected to take the ball on Opening Day. Anthony Kay, meanwhile, returns to Major League Baseball after rebuilding his career overseas with a dominant run in Japan.
Elsewhere on the roster, Mike Vasil has turned heads this spring with a 1.64 ERA, while Seranthony Domínguez is emerging as a potential anchor in the bullpen. Grant Taylor is another reliever whose electric stuff could quickly make him one of the league’s more dangerous late-inning arms.
And that doesn’t even account for the wave of pitching prospects expected to reach the majors later this season.
With so many arms competing for roles, the starting rotation has been one of the most closely watched battles of spring training.
A Five-Man Rotation Emerging
Over the past several days, the early structure of the White Sox rotation has begun to come into focus.
At the top of the group sits Shane Smith. Despite uneven results this spring, his standout 2025 season made him the obvious choice to lead the rotation and receive his first career Opening Day start.
Anthony Kay and Davis Martin appear likely to follow him in the rotation.
Kay joined the White Sox this offseason on a deal that reflects the team’s belief he can handle a starter’s workload after thriving in Nippon Professional Baseball. Martin, meanwhile, quietly provided stability last season, finishing with a 4.10 ERA across 142.2 innings while posting a 7–10 record.
The 29-year-old may not grab headlines, but his durability gives the rotation a reliable middle presence.
The Final Spots Still Carry Questions
The final two spots remain more fluid, though recent developments have offered some clues.
Sean Burke, who started Opening Day for the White Sox in 2025, is currently positioned to reclaim a rotation role. Last season was far more difficult than expected for the right-hander, as command issues eventually led to a demotion to Triple-A late in the year.
Burke returned to the majors in September but finished the season working out of the bullpen.
Still, Chicago values his raw stuff and experience, making him a strong candidate to open the season as a starter again.
One key decision from manager Will Venable helped clarify the situation further. Venable confirmed that Sean Newcomb will begin the season in the bullpen rather than the rotation.
Newcomb had entered camp competing for a starting job, but his recent success as a reliever — including a 1.75 ERA over 51.1 innings with the Athletics last year — made that role a logical fit. If injuries arise or a starter struggles, Newcomb could quickly transition back into the rotation.
Erick Fedde Adds Veteran Depth
The final projected starter could be Erick Fedde.
Fedde rebuilt his career after leaving MLB to pitch in Japan and enjoyed a strong comeback season with the White Sox in 2024. Since then, however, his career path has been less stable, as he has suited up for three different teams.
Even so, Chicago values the experience he brings to the staff. Fedde has pitched well this spring, posting a 3.12 ERA with seven strikeouts across three appearances.
While he may not hold the job for the entire season, his presence early in the year could help stabilize the rotation while younger pitchers continue developing.
The Likely Opening Rotation
With Opening Day approaching, the White Sox rotation currently projects to look like this:
- Shane Smith – RHP
- Anthony Kay – LHP
- Davis Martin – RHP
- Sean Burke – RHP
- Erick Fedde – RHP
Don’t Expect the Same Five All Year
Even with the rotation taking shape, few around the organization expect it to remain unchanged for long.
Mike Vasil could quickly push for a starting role if his elbow soreness proves minor. Chris Murphy has also impressed during camp and offers valuable versatility.
Then there’s Jordan Hicks — one of baseball’s hardest throwers — who has occasionally been mentioned as a potential starting option. Venable even acknowledged last week that he could envision Hicks getting a chance to start at some point.
In other words, the current rotation might only be the beginning.
Aside from Smith and Kay, several spots could change as the season unfolds. With a deep supply of pitching talent and multiple prospects waiting in the wings, the White Sox appear ready to experiment.
And for an organization entering a new chapter, 2026 may be the perfect time to find out exactly what those arms can become.
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