Baseball

White Sox Intensify Search for Starting Pitching Ahead of Trade Deadline

by
William Caldwell
July 31, 2026

The Chicago White Sox are ramping up their efforts to bolster their starting rotation as the trade deadline approaches at 6 p.m. ET Monday. With aspirations of returning to the postseason for the first time since 2021, the Sox are exploring various options to secure playoff-caliber pitchers.

In recent days, the White Sox have been actively monitoring the market, with sources indicating that Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Shane Bieber and Baltimore Orioles left-hander Trevor Rogers are both on their radar. Bieber, who has a history with the White Sox from his seven seasons with the Cleveland Guardians, currently holds a record of 2-2 with a 5.74 ERA in seven starts this season.

On the other hand, Rogers has been making a strong case for himself, boasting a 6-7 record and a 4.27 ERA in 20 starts overall. Notably, the Orioles’ lefty has excelled in his last seven outings, posting a remarkable 1.85 ERA along with 41 strikeouts. Both pitchers are slated to become free agents at the end of the 2026 season, making them attractive targets for Chicago.

As the White Sox evaluate their options, they are keen on acquiring controllable starting pitching to complement their young core. However, they remain open to the possibility of pursuing rental players, depending on market dynamics in the coming days. Reports from Yahoo Sports suggest that Los Angeles Angels starter Reid Detmers ranks high on their list of potential acquisitions.

Furthermore, the White Sox have expressed interest in New York Mets right-hander Clay Holmes. They were among the teams represented during Holmes’ rehab start on Tuesday. With a player option for 2027, Holmes could become a free agent at the end of this season, adding to his appeal.

Additionally, the White Sox had scouts in attendance for Tarik Skubal’s start in Detroit on Wednesday. While acquiring the back-to-back AL Cy Young Award winner may not be a realistic expectation, the team is committed to exploring all avenues to strengthen their pitching staff.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.

William Caldwell

William Caldwell is a veteran journalist whose career has spanned the highs and lows of the sports world. With a focus on baseball and hockey, William’s articles are known for their depth and historical perspective, making him a favorite among fans who appreciate the rich traditions of sports. Outside the press box, William is an amateur historian with a particular interest in sports memorabilia.