If you’re looking for a white sox pitcher today at 35th and Shields, you’re basically staring into the frozen mist of a Chicago January. There’s no game. Obviously. But for a team coming off a historically weird stretch, the "who is pitching" question is actually more interesting right now than it was in the middle of last July.
Honestly, the South Side is in a strange spot.
We aren't talking about Dylan Cease or Lucas Giolito anymore. That era is dead and buried. Instead, the buzz today—January 14, 2026—revolves around a guy who wasn't even on the radar two years ago: Shane Smith. He’s the undisputed ace of this staff now. It’s wild because he went from being a Rule 5 pick to a legitimate All-Star in 2025. You don't see that happen often. He’s the cornerstone of what Will Venable is trying to build.
The White Sox Pitcher Today: Who Is Actually in This Rotation?
Right now, the White Sox aren't just looking for one white sox pitcher today to save the franchise; they’re trying to find five who won't break. The roster is a mix of "wait, who?" and "oh, I remember him."
Here is the current state of the 40-man rotation depth as we sit in the middle of the winter:
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- Shane Smith (The Ace): He threw 146.1 innings last year. He’s 25, turning 26 soon, and he’s the guy everyone expects to take the mound on Opening Day.
- Davis Martin: He’s the "grit" guy. Coming off Tommy John surgery a while back, he’s finally finding his rhythm again. He added a kick-change during rehab that actually looks pretty nasty.
- Anthony Kay: This is the "Erick Fedde" experiment 2.0. The Sox brought him back from Japan on a two-year deal because he figured something out in the NPB.
- Sean Burke: He was the Opening Day starter last year, which feels like a lifetime ago. He has the stuff, but the command? It’s hit or miss.
- Sean Newcomb: The latest addition. He’s been a reliever for years, but he just told AJ Pierzynski on the Foul Territory podcast that his goal is to make 30 starts this year.
It’s a gamble. Chris Getz is basically betting that at least three of these guys can out-pitch their peripherals.
Why Sean Newcomb Is the Most Interesting Name Right Now
Let's talk about Newcomb for a second. It’s January, so everyone is optimistic. But Newcomb wanting to start is a big deal for a team that lacked "bulk innings" last season. He’s a lefty, which helps.
The White Sox signed him to a one-year deal just before Christmas. If you look at his 2025 stats with the A’s and Red Sox, he was mostly a bullpen arm. But he did make five starts in Boston. Will Venable has already gone on record saying Newcomb will get a fair shake at a starting spot.
Is he a permanent solution? Probably not. Is he a bridge to the kids? Absolutely.
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The Prospects Waiting in the Wings
If you’re following the white sox pitcher today because you care about the future, you’re probably looking at the Triple-A and Double-A reports. This is where the real heat is.
Noah Schultz is the name everyone is whispering about. He’s 6-foot-9. He’s a lefty. People keep comparing him to Randy Johnson because of the arm slot and that devastating slider. He’s ranked as a top prospect for a reason. Then you’ve got Hagen Smith, another lefty who just has "power pitcher" written all over him.
The plan seems to be: start the season with the veterans (Kay, Newcomb, Martin) and hope they hold the line until May or June. If they don't? Expect to see the kids a lot sooner than planned.
A Reality Check on the Numbers
We have to be honest here. Last year, Davis Martin and Sean Burke had ERAs in the low 4.00s. On paper, that's fine.
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But if you dig into the "expected" stats (xERA), both were actually up over 5.00. Martin doesn't strike anyone out. He relies on ground balls. Burke walks too many people. If they don't fix those specific issues in Spring Training, the rotation is going to be in a world of trouble by Memorial Day.
What’s Next for the Sox Pitching Staff?
The international signing period opens tomorrow, January 15. The Sox are expected to finalize deals with a bunch of young arms, but those kids won't help the MLB roster for years.
In the short term, Chris Getz is still sniffing around the waiver wire. He just claimed Drew Romo to help with the catching depth, but don't be surprised if another veteran arm gets a minor league invite in the next two weeks.
The organization is obsessed with "bulk." They want guys who can eat 150 innings so they don't blow out the bullpen by July.
Actionable Insights for Fans
- Watch the Velocity: When Spring Training starts in Glendale, keep an eye on Sean Burke’s radar gun readings. If he’s not sitting 95-96, he might struggle to keep his spot.
- The "Kay" Factor: If Anthony Kay follows the Erick Fedde path, he could be the team's biggest trade chip by July.
- Fantasy Tip: Shane Smith is likely undervalued in most 2026 fantasy drafts. Grab him late.
The search for a consistent white sox pitcher today doesn't end with a single signing. It’s a process of elimination. As the roster stands, the South Side is banking on a mix of Japanese imports, reclaimed relievers, and one breakout All-Star. It might be chaotic, but it certainly won't be boring.
To keep track of how this rotation shakes out before pitchers and catchers report, you should monitor the official MLB transaction wire and the Sox On 35th blog for daily updates on waiver claims and minor league invites.