Examining the White Sox Bullpen Options to Open the Season

The Chicago White Sox have some options in the bullpen despite the fact it might not look like they do. They have many options. Chicago is almost set at starting pitcher as Opening Day arrives. While the five-man rotation is ready, there are still some things to consider with the bullpen. Several decisions remain for the Sox and how they will utilize the bullpen. The White Sox do have options in the bullpen with three pitchers who are among the certainties.

White Sox Have Four Solidified Relievers

Michael Kopech

Michael Kopech is one sort of new face that we will see in the bullpen in 2024. He partially played in the closing rotation last year but was relegated to the closer role, full-time, this year. Last year, in 14 games, 11 of which were starts, he issued an 8.10 ERA with 42 walks and 47 hits over 43 1/3 innings. Kopech’s stuff has looked good during the spring and it can be assured that he hopes to regain a starting pitcher role. For now, he’s going to have to shine in the bullpen, who posted a 3.50 ERA to go with 103 strikeouts over 69 1/3 innings out of the bullpen in 2021. And he just might do that. It’s possible he could be the best reliever/closer that the White Sox have when it’s all said and done.

John Brebbia

John Brebbia is another interesting pitcher in the White Sox bullpen. He posted a 3.99 ERS with a 1.139 WHIP and 47 strikeouts over 40 appearances for the San Francisco Giants last season. Brebbia owns a 3.42 ERS with a 9.6 K/9 over six years between the Giants and St. Louis Cardinals. Those are pretty good numbers from the 33-year-old right-hander. It’s possible that Brebbia ends up being a cornerstone of the bullpen and helps it become at least a stable pen instead of it being all over the place.

Tim Hill

Another reliever that a lot of people seem to like is Tim Hill. With his submarine-style pitching, Hill has become somewhat of a spring training spectacle. But just how well does he do on the mound? Hill has been in major league baseball for six seasons. He spent the past four seasons with the San Diego Padres, where he put up a 4.18 ERA in 170 innings with one save. He’s coming off the worst season of his career, posting a 5.48 ERA in 44 1/3 innings before undergoing season-ending surgery. Hill will bring a new look to the White Sox bullpen. He could be a useful piece for the club in regards to either holds or wins.

Bryan Shaw

Bryan Shaw is one pitcher the Sox relied upon last year who can come in and help. Shaw enters the 2024 season at age 36. He appeared in 18 games during September, including one appearance in October. Shaw posted a 0.92 ERA in 19 2/3 innings during that time frame. He’s almost a sure bet to make the team and contribute greatly to the bullpen.

Other Options the White Sox Have

Steve Wilson

One other White Sox reliever to keep in mind is Steve Wilson. Wilson is the newest member for Chicago as he was in the Dylan Cease blockbuster trade. He logged a 3.91 ERA and 1.17 WHIP across 53 innings last season. He spent the final month of the year on the injured list due to left hip inflammation. He’s scored six scoreless innings in spring so far with 10 strikeouts to go with that. Wilson could immediately become another reliable arm in Chicago’s bullpen, and perhaps share save opportunities with Kopech if he can get off to a strong note in 2024.

There are other guys in the bullpen, as well, who might have been missed but will be able to contribute well to the success (or lack thereof) of the White Sox this year. More guys will step up or step out depending on what happens. It’s going to be a rebuilding year and things are going to start fleshing themselves out quickly. Pretty soon, the White Sox will have an idea of how well their bullpen can be effective. The White Sox have a lot riding on just how well their bullpen will do.