{"id":541375,"date":"2026-01-27T23:24:32","date_gmt":"2026-01-27T23:24:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/541375\/"},"modified":"2026-01-27T23:24:32","modified_gmt":"2026-01-27T23:24:32","slug":"chicago-white-sox-had-one-unsung-hero-emerge-as-a-star-in-their-bullpen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/541375\/","title":{"rendered":"Chicago White Sox had one unsung hero emerge as a star in their bullpen"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Chicago White Sox<\/a> have a say as one of the winners of the offseason after finally spending to add to their young core. <\/p>\n

More News: The Chicago White Sox have the \u2018financial flexibility\u2019 to spend after trading Luis Robert Jr.<\/a><\/p>\n

Highlighting some of their moves, the White Sox landed Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami on a two-year deal ($34 million) and added a solid back-end of the bullpen option in right-hander Seranthony Dominguez (two years, $20 million) to be their closer. The White Sox ranked deadlast in Major League Baseball in saves last season (25<\/a>). <\/p>\n

Despite not having a great bullpen last season, Dominguez will help lock down the backend of games, which will help others like right-hander Mike Vasil, who was one of the unsung heroes on the White Sox bullpen, settle into a role. Even though he was a rookie, Vasil proved to be one of the best relievers, leading all of MLB in innings pitched (90.0), which is the most by a White Sox pitcher since Keith Foulke (105.1) and Sean Lowe (95.2) in 1999.<\/p>\n

Mike Vasil appreciation post pic.twitter.com\/K6UMf2nX6h<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) January 27, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

The Chicago White Sox could have one of the better bullpens in 2026
\n\"ChicagoSep 27, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Chicago White Sox pitcher Mike Vasil (61) talks with first base umpire and crew chief Vic Carapazza (19) during a grounds crew stoppage against the Washington Nationals during the eighth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Entering the fourth year of their rebuild, the White Sox could take a step toward being more competitive in 2026, and it could come from having a strong bullpen. Having Dominguez get the first crack at being the closer should allow Vasil, Grant Taylor (4.91 ERA), and Jordan Leasure (3.92 ERA) to fill in the sixth, seventh, and eighth innings. <\/p>\n

However, the White Sox lack a solid left-handed reliever who can take down high-leverage innings. Left-handers Brandon Eisert (4.39) and Tyler Gilbert (3.88) are options, but are more suited for long relief or mop-up roles. With some good veteran relievers still on the market, Justin Wilson and Andrew Chafin, the White Sox should add one to fill out the rest of their bullpen.<\/p>\n

\"ChicagoSep 7, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Chicago White Sox pitcher Mike Vasil (61) celebrates with catcher Kyle Teel (8) after the game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

\"This<\/p>\n

This Chicago White Sox player was announced for 2026 World Baseball Classic
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