White Sox sign RHP Lucas Sims to minors deal with spring invite. Veteran reliever joins crowded camp battle for bullpen spots.

The Chicago White Sox have signed right-handed reliever Lucas Sims to a minor league contract with a non-roster invitation to spring training, bolstering their bullpen depth ahead of the 2026 season.

The 31-year-old veteran struggled mightily in 2025, posting a gaudy 13.86 ERA over 12.1 innings with the Washington Nationals before his release. He signed a minor-league deal with the Philadelphia Phillies but spent the rest of the season in Triple-A, finishing with a 5.56 ERA over 34 innings.

Despite the down year, Sims showed late-career promise in 2023 with Cincinnati, going 7-3 with a 3.10 ERA across 61 innings while posting career-best numbers. A 2012 first-round draft pick by Atlanta, Sims brings 318 career big-league innings and 366 strikeouts across eight seasons.

Chicago likely views Sims as Triple-A Charlotte insurance behind new closer Seranthony Domínguez and setup men Jordan Leasure and Grant Taylor. Non-roster invitees Ryan Borucki and Tyson Miller will compete alongside Sims in camp.

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The deal carries minimal risk with significant upside. Sims’ mid-90s fastball and swing-and-miss stuff remain intact, though chronic command issues (12.1% career walk rate) plagued his 2025 campaign. A change of scenery could unlock his 2023 form.

Pitchers and catchers report February 10, with full squad workouts beginning February 15. Sims joins a crowded competition for bullpen spots behind Domínguez, with Mike Vasil and Tyler Gilbert also in the mix.