Chicago White Sox urged to re-sign key bullpen standout

Heading into the offseason, the Chicago White Sox will be looking to bolster their pitching rotation. They were forced to rely on their bullpen throughout their run to the ALDS. With more imposing arms in their rotation, the White Sox will become an even scarier contender.

At the same time though, Chicago doesn’t want to sacrifice their bullpen. The franchise’s relief unit finished their 2026 campaign ranked eighth in ERA with a mark of 3.70. Their bullpen was a big reason the White Sox made the playoffs in the first place. The hope is that that doesn’t change in 2027.

Still, the franchise will have plenty of decisions to make over the offseason. Not just in free agency but internally. Hagen Smith and Grant Taylor are both candidates to join the rotation. But then that would leave the bullpen more barren. The White Sox are trying to find the best combination for success.

When it comes to their own free agents, one name immediately stands out. The White Sox’s decision on his future will be telling of their ultimate bullpen plans.

Sean Newcomb is pivotal force for Chicago White Sox

In his first season with the White Sox, right-hander Sean Newcomb registered a 3.09 ERA and an 84/34 K/BB ratio. That performance was more than enough for Tim Kelly of Bleacher Report to be convinced Chicago must re-sign the relief pitcher.

“That investment by general manager Chris Getz proved to be one of the better moves of the offseason, as Newcomb made 60 regular-season appearances and posted a 3.09 ERA. For good measure, he pitched to a 2.57 ERA over seven postseason frames,” Kelly wrote. “It will take more than $4.5 million to bring Newcomb back, but he pitched well enough that the White Sox should want to retain him.”

That 2.57 postseason ERA may be the stat that works best in his favor for a new deal. He appeared in four games total, throwing seven innings while registering a 7/1 K/BB ratio. The White Sox want relief pitchers they can trust. And in 2026, Newcomb proved he stays ready even when the pressure is at its highest peak.

The White Sox won’t be the only team bidding for his services. But Chicago knows exactly what they could have in Newcomb.

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