The Chicago White Sox inked a one-year deal with right-hander Erick Fedde on Monday, just before pitchers and catchers officially report for spring training in Glendale, Arizona. The signing, pending a physical, aims to add a familiar arm to the roster as Fedde competes for a spot in the starting rotation for the 2025 season.
Performance History and Recent Struggles
Fedde, turning 33 this month, had a notable 2024 campaign after joining the White Sox from South Korea’s KBO League. In 21 starts, he compiled a 7-4 record with a 3.11 ERA, standing out on a White Sox team that suffered a modern-era record 121 losses. He also led the team in wins above replacement with 4.6 according to Baseball Reference, despite being traded at the deadline to the St. Louis Cardinals.
However, Fedde’s 2024 season overall was uneven as he endured a difficult stretch pitching for the Cardinals, Atlanta Braves, and Milwaukee Brewers. Across 24 starts and eight relief appearances last year, he posted a combined 4-13 record with a 5.49 ERA. His repertoire includes a fastball topping out near 93 mph, along with a sinker, cutter, sweeper, and changeup.
Role Expectations and Rotation Competition
Despite earlier difficulties, Fedde showed improvement late last season, allowing opposing hitters a .186 batting average out of the Brewers’ bullpen. Manager Will Venable and new pitching coach Zach Bove are considering him chiefly for a starting rotation role.
So far, the White Sox have confirmed only three starters for 2025: All-Star Shane Smith, Davis Martin, and free-agent acquisition Anthony Kay. Other pitchers competing include Sean Newcomb, Jonathan Cannon, and Sean Burke, alongside second-year right-handers Grant Taylor and Mike Vasil, who impressed in their rookie seasons mostly as relievers.
Additional contenders for rotation spots during spring training in Glendale are newcomers Chris Murphy, Jedixson Paez, and David Sandlin.
Implications for White Sox Pitching Staff
Fedde’s return adds depth and experience to a White Sox pitching staff that is still shaping its core rotation for the upcoming season. His ability to contribute as a starter, backed by his late-season success in relief, provides the team with flexibility. The competition in spring training will determine how the rotation ultimately forms under the guidance of Venable and Bove.
General Manager Chris Getz was set to address the media Monday at Camelback Ranch, highlighting the organization’s focus on strengthening its pitching ahead of the 2025 campaign.
