Chicago White Sox Transition Grant Taylor to Starting Pitcher

The Chicago White Sox have used Grant Taylor in multiple roles since his major league debut in June 2025. He played as a closer and an opener, sometimes within the same series. Taylor also excelled in bullpen duties, once securing an impressive four-inning save during Game 1 of the American League Division Series against the Cleveland Guardians. Now, the White Sox aim to transition Taylor from a reliever to a starter.

White Sox general manager Chris Getz expressed optimism about this decision during the GM meetings, stating, “Grant, the plan is to put him in the rotation. That’s something he’s definitely wanted to do for a stretch here. We’ve had numerous discussions and believe this is the best moment for Grant and for us. We feel confident he will excel as a starter and look forward to supporting him in this new role.”

In 2026, Taylor, aged 24, recorded a 7-3 record with a 2.25 ERA and notched 10 saves in 60 appearances, four of which were starts. Over 84 innings, he struck out 106 batters and allowed 30 walks. His standout performances in the postseason included allowing only one unearned run and striking out five over 2 1/3 innings in the AL Wild Card series against the Houston Astros, and his four-inning save against the Guardians where he struck out six while allowing no runs on two hits.

“He was our most reliable pitcher,” Getz explained. “This consistency, exhibited alongside Sean Burke in the rotation, means he frequently performed at his peak potential. We used him in various game scenarios, and his confidence grew with his success. Transitioning to a starter role, with its structured routine and breaks, instills confidence in this decision.”

In 2026, Taylor achieved four outs or more in 31 regular-season games, maintaining a 1.91 ERA across 56 2/3 innings in these instances. There is now an opportunity to provide more extended innings. “Regarding Grant’s health and productivity, this move seems optimal,” Getz asserted.

The conversation about Taylor becoming a starter has been ongoing. Drafted in the second round from LSU in 2023, Taylor began as a starter in the minor leagues but shifted to the bullpen to manage his innings before his major league call-up. He ended the season second on the team in saves, trailing Seranthony Domínguez, who was later traded to the Seattle Mariners on August 1. With Taylor’s move to the rotation, the Sox will need to adjust their bullpen strategy.

Getz acknowledged, “It’s challenging to fill that level of talent in the bullpen. However, we will explore opportunities to enhance the bullpen. We’re seeking players who can strengthen our roster.”

This transition ties into a significant need for the White Sox. Their primary focus this offseason is on improving starting pitching, alongside finding a right-handed-hitting outfielder and additional catching options. Having relied extensively on the bullpen in the 2026 season and playoffs, the search for starters is critical.

Meanwhile, left-hander Hagen Smith, vital in the team’s late-season success, will stay in the bullpen. The 2024 first-round draft pick achieved a 3-3 record and a 1.29 ERA in 18 performances, including one start, after being called up from Triple-A Charlotte in August. Smith tallied 41 strikeouts and allowed 16 walks in 28 innings, frequently serving as an opener during postseason play. Across seven playoff innings, he allowed just one run on three hits, with six strikeouts and eight walks.

“The plan involves Hagen remaining in a multi-inning bullpen role,” Getz explained. “This multi-inning position suits him, as it has some others in the past. His demonstrated success with the White Sox bullpen warrants keeping him there. We remain open to future possibilities, but for spring training planning, this serves as the current blueprint.”