Door is open for star White Sox relievers to become starters, but there’s a catch
The Chicago White Sox see starting potential in Grant Taylor and Hagen Smith, but their 2027 roles remain undecided. General manager Chris Getz addressed the two relievers during Wednesday’s end-of-season media session, acknowledging their long-term potential without establishing a timetable. The White Sox relied heavily on openers and bullpen […] The post Door is open for star White Sox…
The Chicago White Sox see promise in relievers Grant Taylor and Hagen Smith potentially becoming starting pitchers, but the decision to make them starters in 2027 remains unclear. General Manager Chris Getz praised their long-term potential during a media session on Wednesday, but no timetable was provided. The team heavily relied on their bullpen and openers during their playoff run, which saw them defeat the Houston Astros in the Wild Card Series before losing a five-game ALDS series to the Cleveland Guardians.
Taylor, 24, posted a 2.25 ERA, 106 strikeouts, and 10 saves in 84 innings, while Smith, the 2024 fifth-overall pick, registered a 1.29 ERA and 41 strikeouts in 28 innings after starting at Triple-A Charlotte in July. The White Sox are also exploring outside starting pitching options, with reported recovery updates on Luis Castillo and David Martin.
Potential rotation additions could alleviate bullpen workload, but the team has yet to commit either reliever to a starting role for 2027.
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