Left-handed pitcher Ryan Borucki, a lifelong Chicago White Sox supporter from Mundelein, is aiming to secure a spot on the team’s roster during spring training in Glendale, Arizona. Borucki, known for his tenure with the Blue Jays, Mariners, and Pirates, has embraced this opportunity to play for his hometown team while building on his career experience.
Having idolized White Sox stars Scott Podsednik and Mark Buehrle growing up, Borucki even wore Buehrle’s No. 56 while pitching for Toronto as a tribute. Now a non-roster invitee at the Sox camp, he reflects on how meaningful it is to wear the White Sox uniform.
“Definitely a dream come true to be able to put this uniform on,”
Borucki said.
“As a kid, I used to always put it on, acting like I was on the White Sox in my backyard. I’m very excited about the opportunity.”
Career Overview and Spring Training Focus
Borucki, 31, has pitched across eight major league seasons, compiling a 15–12 record and a 4.28 ERA in 187 appearances, including 21 starts. His career spans stints with the Toronto Blue Jays (2018–22, 2025), Seattle Mariners (2022), and Pittsburgh Pirates (2023–25), with 214 strikeouts over 256 1/3 innings. Despite some struggles last year, including a back injury that hindered his momentum, Borucki is focused on refining his craft, particularly improving his ability to get right-handed batters out. He is honing his splitter as a key weapon and continues to rely on his proven strength against left-handed hitters.
“Every spring training when I come in as an NRI, it’s control the controllables,”
Borucki explained.
“Just pitch my game. Show what I can do and the rest is up to them. I’ve just got to try to make the decision as hard as possible for them.”
He added,
“I know my game. I’ve played long enough to know who I am. Not going to try to do too much and wherever the chips fall, they fall.”
Manager’s Perspective on Borucki’s Role
White Sox manager Will Venable expressed confidence in Borucki’s prospects of making the opening day roster. Venable emphasized that Borucki’s experience and ability to contribute both on the mound and as a mentor to younger players are valuable assets to the club.
“We brought him in here to give him every chance to make this team,”
Venable said.
“We know he’s an experienced guy who has done it for a long time.”
Venable highlighted Borucki’s role beyond performance:
“He is a guy who helps us as far as his performance on the field. He’s also somebody who has been around a long time and can help these young guys develop their routines and their attack plans, especially for a left-handed pitcher. Definitely excited to have him here.”
Personal Motivation and Hometown Connection
Borucki’s decision to join the White Sox was influenced by his strong family ties to the Chicago area. With his parents still living in Mundelein and now being a father himself living in Florida, Borucki values the chance to be closer to home.
“Home for me and just being around family,”
he said.
“And especially for me — I have a daughter now, I live in Florida — so we don’t get to see my family very often. So if I’m able to be with the White Sox and being around family is all you can really ask for.”
Despite the professional demands of his baseball career, Borucki’s connection to Chicago remains deep-rooted. “We’re Chicago everything,” he explained.
“When I got drafted, my love for the White Sox kind of deterred a little bit because I was with the Jays and then it’s a job to you, you know what I mean? But we are an all-Bears family, White Sox, Bulls, everything Chicago. I don’t steer away from Chicago. I love this city. It means so much to me, and, like, I’ll just watch Bears highlights of this past season. I still get chills.”
He added,
“I’m very proud of where I come from. I am very proud of being from Mundelein and just being able to represent, being a Chicago guy, the best way I can.”
Spring Training Roster and Upcoming Debuts
As the White Sox prepare for their Cactus League opener against the Chicago Cubs at Sloan Park in Mesa, several players are expected to make notable appearances. Infielder Munetaka Murakami is set to debut in the Cactus League on Friday, joined by teammates who are currently competing in the World Baseball Classic, including Sam Antonacci, Curtis Mead, and Kyle Teel. Reliever Seranthony Domínguez is also participating in the WBC and is likely to feature in upcoming games.
Manager Venable mentioned ongoing lineup considerations but confirmed the inclusion of these key players.
“The coaches are still working on some stuff,”
he said,
“but the four position players participating in the World Baseball Classic will play.”
Jonathan Cannon Prepared for Early Spring Opportunities
In addition, Jonathan Cannon has been named the starting pitcher for the Sox’s season opener in spring training. Cannon acknowledged that he had anticipated this role and has been preparing with pitching coach Zach Bove during the offseason.
“I kind of knew I was going to start one of the first couple of games,”
Cannon said.
“Me and (pitching coach Zach) Bove were in contact this offseason. That went into my preparation a little bit.”
He added,
“At the end of the day, spring training is about getting ready for the season, going out there and proving yourself. You are going to get opportunities and just taking advantage of that. So whenever those opportunities come, just doing the best I can.”
Significance of Borucki’s Role and What Lies Ahead
Ryan Borucki’s presence on the White Sox roster camp symbolizes more than just an addition of pitching depth; it represents a homecoming and a chance to rekindle his childhood dreams while contributing his veteran savvy to a developing team. His willingness to embrace his role, focus on targeted improvements, and connect with Chicago’s baseball community may become vital as the season progresses.
If Borucki secures a roster spot, his experience and local ties could provide stability and leadership as the White Sox aim to strengthen their pitching staff and compete effectively. The coming weeks of spring training will be crucial in determining how Borucki and other contenders impact the team’s dynamics heading into the regular season.
