The White Sox are bullish on their young pitching and the arms coming up in their farm system, but the major league staff for 2025 is far from sorted out. Like last season, they enter 2025 without an obvious Opening Day starter.
Right-hander Jonathan Cannon, who posted a 4.49 ERA in 21 starts and two relief appearances his first season, would seem to be the leading candidate, although general manager Chris Getz has dropped veteran free agent Martin Perez’ and Sean Burke’s names into such discussions.
“Any time you get the Opening Day start, it’s a tremendous honor,” Cannon said at SoxFest Live at the Ramova Theatre Friday. “For whoever gets it.
“That would be a huge honor for me. Obviously we have a long way to go. I’m just looking forward to spring training and getting dialed in on the routines and everything.”
Pitchers and catchers report Feb. 11, a day before the first official day of spring training. The first full squad workout in Glendale, Ariz., is Feb. 17.
Cannon sat and worked alongside Crochet, who will be missed for more than his All-Star left arm, he said. Crochet was traded to the Red Sox for four prospects. Cannon said he listened and learned from Crochet, “who has seen a lot behind the scenes. Garrett might be one of the most prepared pitchers when he gets on the mound.”
Thorpe (elbow) won’t start spring training on time
Right-hander Drew Thorpe will not open camp on time due to residual inflammation in his elbow. Thorpe received a cortisone injection Friday and will be shut down for a “short” period, the Sox said, before ramping up.
The key piece in the Sox’ package from the Padres in the Dylan Cease trade, the former minor league pitcher of the year pitched to a 5.48 ERA in nine starts last season, which ended in early September when he had a bone spur shaved from his elbow.
Schultz, Smith among non-roster invitees to camp
Sixteen players from within the organization are among 24 non-roster invites to spring training, including top pitching prospects Noah Schultz and Hagen Smith.
Schultz (No. 10), Smith (No. 40), catcher Kyle Teel (No. 52) and outfielder Braden Montgomery (No. 66) rank among Baseball America’s Top 100 prospects. Schultz and Smith, both first-round draft picks, are rated by MLB Pipeline as the top two left-handed pitching prospects in baseball. Teel is the No. 3 catching prospect.
“Awesome,” the 6-10 Schultz said of his first forthcoming big league camp. “Excited to pick the guys’ brains and learn about the game.”
Schultz wasn’t excited about having his innings (88 1/3 innings) limited when he posted a 2.24 ERA, struck out 115 batters and walked 24 between Advanced A Winston-Salem and Double-A Birmingham last season, but he understood the Sox’ plan.
“It was frustrating but it was part of the plan and I knew about it ahead of time,’’ he said. “I know this year it will change.”
Tall order
Everywhere he goes, Schultz is asked about his height, which, along with his delivery, reminds of Randy Johnson. Schultz is an inch taller this year.
“It’s been this height about four or five years,” he said. “It’s pretty normal now. I try to not make it about my height.”
Also invited to camp: right-handers Mason Adams, Eric Adler, Peyton Pallette and Grant Taylor; left-hander Trey McGough; catchers Adam Hackenberg, Edgar Quero; infielders Tim Elko, Jacob Gonzalez and Chase Meidroth; and outfielders Corey Julks and Wilfred Veras.
Eight free agents agreed to terms on minor-league contracts with non-roster invitations to camp: right-handers Dan Altavilla, Justin Dunn and Jonathan Heasley; catcher Omar Narváez; infielders Bobby Dalbec, Andre Lipcius and Cal Mitchell; and outfielder Nick Maton.