The Chicago White Sox have been struggling to find themselves in relevant games, with the pitching staff being a major negative in 2025. However, they are in a position to see some players take a step forward and bounce back from the lackluster 2025 season. They have talent on the roster and need them to play to their abilities heading into the 2026 season. Let’s take a closer look at who one writer is considering as the White Sox’s bounce-back candidate for the upcoming season.
Jonathan Cannon is named the bounce-back candidate for the 2026 Chicago White Sox
MLB: Detroit Tigers at Chicago White Sox Jun 2, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Jonathan Cannon (48) walks back to the dugout after pitching against the Detroit Tigers during the first inning at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
MLB’s Scott Merkin wrote that he believes Jonathan Cannon is going to be the player on the White Sox who is the likeliest to bounce back in the 2026 season.
“The right-hander’s struggles throughout the 2025 season will make him a better pitcher for a longer period of time, or so Cannon believes. He was the team’s second-most effective starter during the ’24 campaign, and then took the roughest hits on the mound last year and still came out ready to go for ’26. He made some adjusments to his mechanics and pitch sequencing within the season, talking to coaches and teammates alike about things needing to change. Manager Will Venable strongly backed Cannon as a starter when asked at the Winter Meetings, and Cannon feels the same.”
Cannon had a down season in 2025 as he finished with a 4-10 record with a 5.82 ERA and a 1.49 WHIP in 103.2 innings (22 games, 17 starts). He struggled more as the season progressed, including a 9.79 ERA in his seven games following the All-Star break.
This issue could have been the league adjusting to him in his second season, or if it was some mechanical issues that needed to be corrected. It will be intriguing to see if Cannon can figure out how to get back on track and continue to improve after a rough sophomore season.
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