GLENDALE, Ariz. — Erick Fedde is asserting himself in the Chicago White Sox’s rotation competition by focusing on an aggressive pitching style designed to dominate early counts. On Friday at Camelback Ranch, Fedde emphasized the importance of winning two out of the first three pitches in an at-bat, a philosophy the White Sox have prioritized this spring to set the tone on the mound.
“It’s been the heart and soul of the pitching mentality,”
Fedde said.
“They share our numbers, like, ‘Look what you do when you win two out of three (strikes) and what you do when you don’t win it,’ so it’s been a mindset of mine. (Friday) was, let’s attack these guys. And the numbers say it’s better, so let’s do it and trust it.”
Strong Command Displayed in First Spring Appearance
In his initial outing this spring during a split-squad game against the Texas Rangers, Fedde showed control and composure. Over two innings, he allowed no hits while striking out two and walking one, throwing 29 pitches with 19 strikes. The outing culminated with Fedde fanning Cameron Cauley and José Herrera in the second inning.
“I had some nerves, a little excitement just to compete again,”
Fedde admitted.
“The feeling we chase. And it’s fun to get out on the mound again. I was happy with (my stuff) — a little aggressive with my front side, trying to do a little much first time out there. But that’s good. For the most part, happy with the results.”
Work on Changeup and Consistency at the Top of the Zone
Fedde highlighted his offseason goals, noting improvements he wanted to see in his pitching arsenal. Particularly, he aimed to sharpen his changeup and become more effective when pitching at the top of the strike zone.
“My few goals for going into the offseason were getting my changeup in zone,”
Fedde said.
“Being a little more effective at the top of the zone, implementing them into real-life situations. Felt like I didn’t throw a ton of changeups (on Friday), I was one out of two. I pitched up in the zone great. Those were kind of the goals.”
Competing for a Rotation Position Among Talented Peers
Fedde is competing alongside Shane Smith, Anthony Kay, and Davis Martin for limited starting spots in the White Sox rotation this spring. Like fellow contenders Sean Burke, Jonathan Cannon, Sean Newcomb, Chris Murphy, and Mike Vasil, Fedde has been stretched out carefully as the team evaluates their rotation options.
“My mentality this whole time is that spot’s not mine,”
he said.
“I have to earn it. Until I step foot in that clubhouse as a starter, that’s when I’ll be ready for that. I know what kind of year I had last year (5.49 ERA in 32 appearances — 24 starts — between St. Louis, Atlanta and Milwaukee) and things I have to earn. My mentality is to go out there every chance I can and give them no option but to give me that spot.”
The competition is fostering a spirited environment in the clubhouse.
“Baseball in spring training gives you that weird concept of competing against your friends,”
Fedde reflected.
“It’s strange. The guys have looked great. There’s a chance to be a very sneaky rotation with a lot of skill. We’re going to feed off each other. That’s something I try to bring, too, a competitive nature. The best rotations I’ve been on is when guys are competing for good outings against each other, in a good way. I see that nature in a lot of these guys and I’m excited to compete with them.”
Manager Recognizes Fedde’s Veteran Leadership
White Sox manager Will Venable has acknowledged the value Fedde adds both on and off the mound. The right-hander’s confidence and experience have provided steadiness to a pitching staff balancing youth and competition. Venable praised Fedde’s approach and his influence on teammates during bullpen sessions and workouts.
“(He) attack(s) the zone,” Venable said.
“Just looked like a guy (on Friday) who has been doing it a long time. Obviously, he has (with eight seasons of big-league experience). It’s a guy that attacked the zone with confidence and on the back fields, (he is) listening and talking to guys. He’s one of those veteran presences that’s helping everyone out.”
“We need that. We had Martín (Pérez) last year as a guy that was able to be a model of how to go about your business for these young guys. To have Erick Fedde has been huge for everybody.”
Comfort and Familiarity Fueling Fedde’s Confidence
At 33, Fedde signed a one-year contract with the White Sox on February 10, returning to a club where he previously pitched during part of the 2024 campaign before a trade sent him to the Cardinals. The familiarity with the staff and organization has eased his transition back to Chicago this spring.
“Good memories here for sure,” Fedde shared.
“When you are coming into a new clubhouse and you know most of the staff and everybody, it makes it a lot easier. My time with Chicago is nothing but good memories. So, it’s definitely a place I feel comfortable.”
This comfort has been a factor in how Fedde has approached his spring preparation.
“I thought I put in a lot of good work in the offseason,”
he said.
“The Sox have been great not rushing me. I was kind of one of the last guys to debut (this spring), but just getting a few reps on the mound with (pitching coach Zach) Bove and (senior adviser to pitching Brian Bannister) and (assistant pitching coach) Bobby (Hearn) behind me (during workouts), and just kind of feeling things out and yeah, I feel good.”
Erick Fedde’s Role Could Define White Sox Rotation Depth
As the White Sox continue to evaluate their rotation options, Fedde’s veteran presence, confidence in attacking the zone, and disciplined approach provide an important edge in this deep competition. With spots limited and several talented pitchers vying to start, Fedde’s mindset of earning his place through consistent performance underlines the resilience needed at this stage of spring training.
The developments this spring, both in outings and in clubhouse leadership, will likely determine Fedde’s role on opening day and how the White Sox balance youth with experienced arms. Fedde’s ability to maintain focus and compete aggressively could prove vital in securing a rotation slot and strengthening Chicago’s pitching depth for the season ahead.
