The Chicago White Sox are bringing Erick Fedde back to their pitching staff with a one-year agreement, pending a physical, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post. Represented by the Boras Corporation, Fedde’s return comes after a mixed period of performances across multiple teams and leagues.
Fedde’s Journey From Nationals to KBO Success and MLB Resurgence
Fedde originally made his MLB comeback with the White Sox in 2024, after struggling through parts of six seasons as a first-round pick with the Washington Nationals. Following his time in MLB, he revitalized his career in South Korea’s KBO League with the NC Dinos, where he earned the Choi Dong-won Award—KBO’s equivalent of the Cy Young—and was named league MVP in 2023. This success helped Fedde secure a two-year, $15 million deal with Chicago, immediately slotting him into their starting rotation.
Strong Performance With White Sox in Early 2024 Season
Fedde’s initial innings with Chicago in 2024 showcased his potential, as he emerged as the team’s top starter. Over 121 2/3 innings, he posted a solid 3.11 ERA, struck out 21.5% of batters faced, and maintained a 6.8% walk rate with a 44.7% ground-ball rate. His affordable contract was viewed as a bargain and attracted significant trade interest before the 2024 deadline. Eventually, Fedde was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals in a three-team deal that brought Miguel Vargas and two prospects to the White Sox, while utility player Tommy Edman was sent from the Cardinals to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Mixed Results During Time With the Cardinals and Challenges in 2025
Fedde delivered a serviceable performance late in 2024 with St. Louis, recording a 3.72 ERA across 55 2/3 innings despite a slight rise in hard contact allowed. However, the 2025 season proved difficult, as his strikeout rate dropped to 14% and his walk rate surged past 10%. He struggled through 101 2/3 innings over 20 starts, finishing with a 5.22 ERA before being released by the Cardinals. Short stints with the Atlanta Braves and Milwaukee Brewers did not revive his form, leaving him with an overall 5.49 ERA in 141 innings pitched that year.
Competition Awaits in White Sox Rotation for 2026
Now back with Chicago, Fedde is likely to compete for the fifth starter role behind Shane Smith, Sean Burke, Davis Martin, and Anthony Kay. Alongside fellow offseason signing Sean Newcomb, both are front-runners for the rotation spot secured by a major league contract this winter. The remaining candidate could slide into a swingman role. Given the rotation’s overall youth and the ever-present risk of injuries in baseball, it’s plausible that the White Sox will rely on both Fedde and Newcomb for early season starts.
Implications for the White Sox and the Upcoming Season
Erick Fedde’s return signals the White Sox’s belief in his talent to stabilize a critical portion of their pitching staff after fluctuations in recent performance. His experience overcoming adversity abroad and in MLB adds depth during a rebuilding phase. How Fedde adjusts and performs this season could heavily influence the team’s pitching reliability and impact Chicago’s efforts in navigating the challenges of 2026’s competitive landscape.
Source: The White Sox and Erick Fedde are in agreement on a 1-year deal, pending physical
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) February 9, 2026
