Now that the Dylan Cease trade, which was long expected to happen, has come and gone, the White Sox must start anew, basically, with their pitching staff. Their top-of-the-line starters, including Cease, Lance Lynn, and Lucas Giolito, are all gone from last year’s squad. Michael Kopech has been relegated to backup duty, and the Sox look different. That could be a good thing.
The Possible Chicago White Sox Starting Pitching Rotation
But it’s likely not, as the Sox are projected to be even worse than they were in 2023 without Cease and some of the talent they had in the starting rotation. We have many players we have yet to hear of jumping in and taking over.
Who might be part of the starting rotation when it’s all said and done? Some guys currently on the roster seem adept at starting. It’s doubtful that the Sox are going to trade to bring in starting pitcher talent. They seem fixed on building from within, which suits them. It’s always fun to estimate who might be in the lineup. Let’s look at the five possible starting pitchers for the White Sox this season.
Touki Toussaint
Touki Toussaint was one of last season’s starters and will likely start again for the Sox in 2024. He has started a total of 16 games and has a record of 4-7. His ERA was 4.97, and his WHIP was 1.448. It could be better, but it’s okay by any means. With a good bit of work under him, Toussaint will be better in 2024. But he’s only an all-star and more of a stopgap once someone better comes along.
Garrett Crochet
This might surprise some, but Garrett Crochet, one of the strongest pitchers on the team, could step in and be a starter. His most significant issue is health. Crochet has had a serious problem staying healthy. If he can stay out of the training room, it’s very possible that the White Sox could put him into the lineup as a starter. Throughout his career, he has played in a total of 72 games. His 2.71 ERA is promising. Crochet has a WHIP of 1.329.
Erick Fedde
Erick Fedde is a newcomer to the Sox this year, and someone many have thought might be an excellent addition to the starting pitching rotation. Fedde has spent time with the Washington Nationals and comes to the Sox with much promise. The 31-year-old Fedde has a career ERA of 5.41 in 88 games started and 102 played. His WHIP is 1.523. Fedde would easily be one of the starters in the rotation this season and could end up being one of the best when it’s all said and done.
Chris Flexen
Chris Flexen is another newcomer to the White Sox. He has played for four teams, not including the White Sox, and has much experience. He has been in the league since 2017 when he started with the New York Mets and has played in 120 games with 80 starts. His ERA is 4.95, and his WHIP is 1.485. On paper, it doesn’t appear that Flexen is a terrible option as a starter and will likely win a starting spot this spring.
Michael Soroka
Another newbie to the White Sox, Michael Soroka, came to Chicago after spending his entire career with the Atlanta Braves. After missing two seasons because of injury, Soroka comes into the starting rotation, at least potentially, with many questions. In his four years of actual playing time, he has played in 44 games, starting 43. Soroka’s ERA is 3.32, and his WHIP is 1.206. Those are alright numbers, but he hasn’t seen a lot of work. If he can stay healthy, Soroka could become one of the better pitchers in the starting rotation. He could be the best of the bunch.
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