White Sox Sign Veteran Bullpen Arm

The Chicago White Sox continue to address their bullpen woes by adding Lucas Sims on a minor league deal as a non-roster invitee to spring training for the 2026 season. Despite a few offseason acquisitions, including the recent signing of Seranthony Dominguez, the White Sox bullpen still remains a work in progress. After a disappointing 15-36 record in one-run games last season, it’s clear that improving the bullpen is one of the team’s top priorities.

The signing of Sims, a veteran reliever with extensive experience in the majors, could be a key step in solidifying the White Sox’s late-game options. Sims enters his 10th season in the big leagues, and while his career 4.86 ERA isn’t eye-popping, his track record suggests he could be a useful asset if he can regain his previous form.

Sims’ Career and Background

Sims was originally drafted in the first round of the 2012 MLB Draft by the Atlanta Braves as a starter. His major league debut came in 2017, where he made 10 starts but struggled with a 5.62 ERA. However, Sims’ career trajectory took a turn when he moved to the bullpen in 2018 with the Braves. Unfortunately, his transition wasn’t smooth, as he posted a 7.84 ERA in his brief stint.

In 2019, Sims was traded to the Cincinnati Reds, where his career started to show signs of promise. He posted a 4.60 ERA in 24 games, followed by an outstanding breakout in the 2020 season. During the COVID-shortened season, Sims posted a 2.45 ERA in 20 games and struck out 34 batters in 22 innings. This performance placed him among the best bullpen arms in the league that year.

The following seasons brought some ups and downs. In 2021, Sims posted a 4.40 ERA, but advanced metrics showed better performance, with a 3.00 FIP suggesting he was getting unlucky. His 76 strikeouts in 47 innings indicated that his stuff was still potent, despite his ERA.

Sims’ 2022 season was marred by injury, limiting him to just six games, but he bounced back in 2023, delivering a stellar 3.10 ERA in 67 appearances with 72 strikeouts. However, his time in Boston in 2024 and with the Washington Nationals in 2025 proved to be challenging, as he struggled with his control. In Boston, he posted a 6.43 ERA, and his time with the Nationals was even worse, with a disastrous 13.86 ERA in 18 games. Now, Sims is looking to prove that he can still contribute to a major league bullpen on this minor league contract.

What Sims Brings to the White Sox

Sims, while inconsistent in recent seasons, has proven he can be an effective reliever when at his best. His stuff, including a powerful fastball and sharp slider, has always been capable of generating strikeouts. In his prime years with the Reds, he showed flashes of dominance that could still be tapped into. For the White Sox, Sims represents a low-risk, high-reward option. If he can regain his earlier form, he could add a potent arm to the bullpen and become a reliable late-inning option.

Given that Sims has experience in multiple high-leverage situations and has pitched in multiple roles, he could offer the White Sox versatility in their bullpen. Whether it’s in long relief or as a late-game setup man, Sims could fill in wherever needed. With a new opportunity in Chicago, the hope is that Sims can get back to being the pitcher he was during his peak years with the Reds.

Competition in the White Sox Bullpen

Sims will face significant competition for a spot in the White Sox bullpen. While the team made strides by signing Dominguez, there are several other pitchers vying for roles. Notably, Jordan Leasure and Grant Taylor are expected to secure spots in high-leverage situations, though both had their struggles during the 2025 season.

Mike Vasil, one of the top rookies for the Sox in 2025, is expected to serve as the long reliever, but he could also be in contention for a high-leverage role or even a starting spot. Vasil impressed with a 2.50 ERA over more than 100 innings last season, making him a key piece of the White Sox’s pitching future.

Sean Newcomb, who was acquired in the offseason, has primarily been a starter but found success as a reliever in the last part of his career. In his last 36 appearances, Newcomb posted a 1.75 ERA, which could make him a key weapon for the Sox bullpen in 2026.

On the left-handed side, the White Sox bullpen will likely feature Brandon Eisert and Tyler Gilbert, who will provide depth as the team’s lefty relievers. Additionally, Jedixson Paez and Alexander Alberto, two promising arms selected in the Rule 5 Draft, could also have a chance to make the team. If they don’t make the roster, they will have to be returned to their original teams, adding an element of intrigue and competition for the White Sox’s bullpen spots.

Sims’ Path to the Majors

Sims certainly faces an uphill battle to make the White Sox’s Opening Day roster, but he brings enough experience and potential upside that the team may give him a shot. If he can recapture his previous form and demonstrate his ability to contribute in spring training, Sims could provide valuable depth for the White Sox bullpen.

While Sims is no longer a dominant, lights-out reliever, his ability to provide innings in various roles, especially with his strikeout potential, gives him a chance to earn a role in Chicago. Even if he doesn’t start the season with the major league team, Sims could be a key midseason call-up if the White Sox encounter injuries or need reinforcements in the bullpen.

Conclusion: A Low-Risk, High-Reward Move for the White Sox

The Chicago White Sox are taking a calculated risk by signing Lucas Sims to a minor league contract. While his recent struggles with the Nationals in 2025 are concerning, his history of success in the bullpen and his ability to strike out batters at a high rate give him the potential to be a solid contributor for the White Sox in 2026.

Sims’ signing represents a low-risk, high-reward move for a bullpen that still has plenty of uncertainty. If he can regain his form from his peak seasons with the Cincinnati Reds, he could become a key part of the White Sox’s pitching staff as they look to improve upon their performance in 2026. Sims will certainly have his work cut out for him to make the team, but with his experience and the opportunity for a fresh start, he could prove to be a valuable asset for the White Sox down the stretch.