The Chicago White Sox’s rotation is far from set in 2026.
Shane Smith, Davis Martin and Anthony Kay figure to have their spots in the rotation locked down. After that, it’s anyone’s guess.
A new name has officially thrown its hat in the ring.
According to Lamond Pope of the Chicago Tribune, Mike Vasil is planning on competing for a starting role this year.
This was somewhat expected for the second-year pitcher, who had an excellent rookie season as mostly a long reliever.
Vasil was a do-it-all guy for the White Sox in 2o25. After the White Sox acquired Vasil in March, he would go on to pitch in 47 games (three starts). During that time, Vasil pitched 101 innings with a 2.50 ERA and 2.9 bWAR.
What Did Vasil Say About His Role With the Chicago White Sox?
While Vasil made just three starts last year, all in June, pitching into the fourth inning, there were questions about his ability to be stretched out. Those questions continued into the offseason. There is now an answer.
“I did everything last year,” Vasil said to the media during camp. “It was cool that I could pitch in a bunch of different roles for me to focus on getting better every day. I’m not really looking to do one thing or the other, but for me to have the opportunity to go out and win a spot is huge and I’m looking forward to making the most of it.”
Vasil’s attitude is exactly what the White Sox need: someone who can do whatever the team asks of him. He started games, closed out games (four saves) and pitched in high-leverage situations where the team needed him most.
He succeeded in all those situations and now looks to join the rotation, and a heavily crowded one at that.
What Is the Rotation Situation?
While the White Sox have many mouths to feed in the rotation, Vasil has as good a chance as any to be a back-of-the-rotation starter.
According to Pope, there are several names to watch in this spring training battle.
“Sean Burke, Jonathan Cannon, Erick Fedde, Chris Murphy and Sean Newcomb are among several pitchers in camp with starting experience in either the majors or minors,” Pope wrote.
Burke has the highest likelihood of being in the rotation out of those names. While he was the opening day starter in 2025, he struggled to a 4.22 ERA in 134.1 innings, with 63 walks. However, his control improved in the second half.
Fedde, who was brought back earlier this month, has struggled since his trade from the White Sox. Since Chicago signed him to a low contract, he may either be competing for a roster spot or a long-relief spot.
Cannon could spend the season in the minors after a disastrous 2025, pitching to a 5.82 ERA.
Murphy and Newcomb have starting experience, but will likely be brought out of the bullpen.
When factoring in injured starters such as Drew Thorpe and Ky Bush, this could be a difficult decision for the organization to fill the final two spots.
When considering the prospects Chicago has, such as Hagen Smith, Noah Schultz and Tanner McDougal, this will be a good problem for Chicago to have throughout the season.
White Sox Rotation Battle Has a New Name