Previewing The White Sox Bullpen As We Head Into 2026

One of the White Sox biggest weaknesses in the 2025 season was the bullpen, as they seemed to blow a lot of games late. There were a lot of reasons for that, but not having an established closer was probably the biggest reason. 

As we approach the new year, there still is not an established closer on the roster, as Jordan Leasure is the career saves leader on the team with nine. Grant Taylor is second on the team with six. Based on the current roster, we can take a look to see what the outlook of the White Sox bullpen is on December 31st, 2025.

The White Sox haven’t signed a ton of non-roster pitchers to this point, as that will likely come closer to Spring Training, but there are quite a few interesting pitchers currently on the 40-man roster. Assuming the White Sox keep five starters on the roster, the White Sox will be able to carry eight pitchers in the bullpen. 

Locks

As we sit today, there are likely four locks in the bullpen. Those are Grant Taylor, Mike Vasil, Sean Newcomb, and Jordan Leasure. 

Newcomb was the White Sox latest free agent signing and should be their high leverage lefty in the later innings of the game. Taylor is one of the White Sox premier pitching prospects and should open up the season as the closer. 

Vasil had a huge year as a Rule-5 draft selection and should be used in high leverage and as a long reliever. He will have a very important hybrid role for the team and should be one of their more important relievers. Jordan Leasure had a good year for the team and he will be used in high leverage as well. He could also find himself in a closer situation as well. 

Fringe Guys

With those four locked up, that leaves four more spots for the bullpen. Assuming the White Sox want to keep both of their Rule-5 draft picks on the team, Alexander Alberto and Jedixson Paez, which they should, barring a terrible Spring Training, that leaves only two spots left for seven other pitchers on the 40-man. 

Those pitchers are Prelander Berroa, Brandon Eisert, Tyler Gilbert, Wikelman Gonzalez, Bryan Hudson, Jairo Iriarte, and Chris Murphy. 

Berroa showed potential two seasons ago, but missed last year due to Tommy John surgery. He has some elite offerings and could be a very useful back of the bullpen arm. However, due to his injury, his timeline is unclear, so he may not be ready for the start of the year.

Eisert and Gilbert both had a solid first year with the White Sox last season, as they were both useful lefties out of the ‘pen. However, I see a scenario in which only one of them makes the roster, so this could be a fun battle to watch in the spring. 

Chris Murphy was acquired by the White Sox earlier this offseason from Boston after having a very solid year with the Red Sox. Like Gilbert and Eisert, he is also a lefty, so there will be competition between the three of them, with only two of the three likely making the opening day roster. 

Iriarte and Gonzalez were both prospects acquired by Chris Getz in some of his more major trades. Both have also been successful in their limited appearances in Chicago. However, Gonzalez had a much better season in the minors last year, so he could push for a spot. I would like to see both of them in the bullpen in Chicago this season as they are both young and promising pitchers with electric stuff. I am not sure if both or either make it out of Spring Training, but they will be up at some point.

Hudson was mainly in the minors last season, but got some run in the majors late last year. Due to his prior success in the major leagues, he could have a leg up on the younger guys if the White Sox want to try and flip him at the deadline. 

Overall, the White Sox may not have a ton of big names in the bullpen but they can put together a young and exciting group of eight guys. The ‘pen competition will be one of the more fun ones to watch as we get closer to Spring Training. However, if the White Sox want to be more of a competitive team, they would benefit from adding an established closer to the team.