GLENDALE, Ariz. — The Chicago White Sox are hoping to move past their difficult 121-loss season in 2024 by reintroducing Erick Fedde to the pitching rotation. The right-handed pitcher signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract to return to the South Side, aiming to play a key role in the team’s rebuilding efforts during spring training at Camelback Ranch.
Fedde, who turns 33 this month, brings veteran experience to a mostly young pitching staff as the club pushes for more competitiveness in 2026. His arrival fits into general manager Chris Getz’s vision to develop a core group of talented players while blending in trusted veterans to provide stability and guidance.
Fedde Reflects on Past Challenges and Current Opportunities
Despite the White Sox’s struggles in 2024, Fedde found a sense of familiarity when returning to the team. He commented on the energy surrounding young players now breaking into the league, such as starter Jonathan Cannon and catcher Korey Lee.
“It just reminds me of times when things were good,”
Fedde said following his initial bullpen session with the Sox this spring.
“In ’24 we weren’t the best team in the world, but had some guys who were just breaking into the league. Seeing their excitement and seeing guys like [starter Jonathan] Cannon and [catcher Korey] Lee — threw to Lee today — it was like old times,”
he added.
Fedde’s 2024 campaign was one of the few bright spots during a rough season, posting a 3.11 ERA across 21 starts before being traded at the deadline. However, last year he faced difficulties, ending 2025 with a 4-13 record and a 5.49 ERA while splitting time between St. Louis, Atlanta, and Milwaukee. He showed some improvement late in the year by contributing out of the bullpen.
Support from Coaching Staff and Team Leaders
White Sox senior pitching adviser Brian Bannister worked closely with Fedde during his first day back, reviewing video and suggesting mechanical adjustments to help him regain his form. Fedde welcomed the feedback.
“It was a little mechanical thing. Just a few things to work on in catch everyday and try to, brick-by-brick, get back to being good,”
Fedde said.
“They know what I look like when I’m at my best.”
Manager Will Venable highlighted Fedde’s positive influence beyond his pitching skills:
“[Fedde is] also an example to these young guys about how to go about their business and build the things on a daily basis that can lead to long-term success.”
Fedde enjoys exchanging insights with Jonathan Cannon, noting their similar pitching styles and how they learn from one another.
“So it’s fun to pick each other’s brains and we can be each other’s test dummies and pass from one to the other on what’s working and what’s not.”
He also reflects on the quick passage of time in baseball, joking about moving swiftly from being
“the young guy to the old guy.”
“It’s crazy. You blink and you go from the young guy to the old guy really quick,”
he said.
Prelander Berroa’s Rehabilitation Progress
Alongside Fedde’s return, right-handed pitcher Prelander Berroa is making strides recovering from Tommy John surgery. Berroa recently threw off a mound for the third time as part of his rehabilitation process. At 25, Berroa showed potential during a brief 2024 stint with the White Sox, striking out 29 batters in 20 ⅔ innings with a 3.05 ERA before his elbow injury sidelined him.
Berroa’s recovery is closely followed by teammate Ky Bush, who endured a similar surgery last year and remains on the 60-day injured list. The two have supported each other through their respective comebacks.
“In my mind, there’s no doubt that that’s the level I’m going to get back once I start pitching in the majors again,”
Berroa said.
“We’re always comparing and supporting each other,”
he added.
“He’s been one of the biggest supporters I’ve had throughout this process.”
Looking Ahead for the White Sox Pitching Staff
The addition of Erick Fedde and the hopeful return of Prelander Berroa symbolize the White Sox’s intent to strengthen their pitching depth for the upcoming season. With promising young arms like Jonathan Cannon and veteran guidance from Fedde, the organization aims to foster an environment of development and resilience at Camelback Ranch and beyond.
The team’s pitching strategy appears focused on blending youth with experience, with players like Fedde setting examples in work ethic and adapting to daily challenges. How well these pieces will come together remains uncertain, but the commitment to improvement shows clear intent for a better 2026 campaign.
New arrivals to Camelback Ranch (and one returning). Jordan Hicks, Seranthony Domínguez and Erick Fedde getting in work. @suntimes_sports pic.twitter.com/Rq6VYOhQT4
— Mitchell Armentrout (@mitchtrout) February 11, 2026
