Rotation Battle Begins as White Sox Reveal First Four Spring Starters
The Chicago White Sox are less than 24 hours away from returning to game action, and for once, the energy around camp feels grounded in measurable progress rather than cautious rebuilding optimism.
After an offseason highlighted by the addition of Munetaka Murakami and several veteran depth pieces, attention now shifts to the most unsettled and consequential storyline of camp: the starting rotation.
Manager Will Venable has officially named the first four starters for the opening stretch of Cactus League play, offering an early glimpse into how the competition will unfold.
Jonathan Cannon Opens the Battle
Chicago will send Jonathan Cannon to the mound against the Chicago Cubs on February 20, setting the tone for what could be a defining spring for the 25-year-old right-hander.
Cannon’s 2025 rookie season was marked by flashes of promise layered with inconsistency, as command lapses frequently extended innings and inflated pitch counts.
While his fastball velocity and competitive demeanor were evident, refining his sequencing and limiting free passes remain the primary developmental checkpoints.
Opening the spring schedule provides Cannon an immediate opportunity to demonstrate mechanical adjustments and improved strike-zone efficiency.
Chris Murphy’s Unexpected Rotation Look
The second starter, Chris Murphy, represents one of the more intriguing variables of camp, particularly given his recent history as a bullpen contributor.
Acquired from the Boston Red Sox in November, Murphy logged a 3.12 ERA across 34.2 innings last season, primarily in relief appearances.
Originally developed as a starter in the minors, Murphy’s trajectory was interrupted by Tommy John surgery that sidelined him for the entirety of 2024.
His return in 2025 included limited minor league starts and bullpen work, leaving evaluators curious whether his off-speed heavy approach can withstand full starter workloads.
For a rotation projected to feature several power arms, Murphy’s ground-ball tendencies and reliance on pitch movement offer stylistic contrast.
Sean Burke Seeks Stability
Sean Burke will start against the Milwaukee Brewers, bringing familiarity but also unanswered questions into camp.
After beginning 2025 as the Opening Day starter, Burke compiled a 4.22 ERA across 22 starts before inconsistency prompted a temporary demotion.
His arsenal remains among the deepest on the staff, pairing a solid fastball with a sharp curve and slider combination capable of generating swings and misses.
However, command volatility and elevated contact limited his effectiveness during extended outings.
Spring Training now serves as Burke’s proving ground to show greater polish and composure in high-leverage sequences.
Shane Smith’s Rotation Anchor Status
Shane Smith, scheduled to pitch against the Colorado Rockies, enters camp with comparatively fewer uncertainties.
The rookie sensation posted a 3.81 ERA with 145 strikeouts in 2025, earning an All-Star nod and solidifying himself as a foundational rotation piece.
His four-seam fastball, deployed nearly 45 percent of the time, anchored his breakout campaign and established him as a swing-and-miss threat.
Unlike Cannon and Burke, Smith appears firmly positioned within the projected Opening Day rotation, though sustaining last season’s efficiency remains essential.
Depth Waiting in the Wings
Beyond the initial quartet, additional arms including Anthony Kay, Sean Newcomb, Erick Fedde, and Mike Vasil remain prepared to seize opportunities.
That depth reflects a significant organizational shift, as the White Sox now feature multiple legitimate rotation candidates rather than relying on short-term patchwork solutions.
Venable’s challenge lies in balancing developmental evaluation with competitive urgency, particularly as the franchise signals readiness to transition from rebuilding phase to meaningful contention.
Spring Training innings may not count in the standings, but for this White Sox rotation, every outing carries evaluative significance.
The games begin now, and the rotation hierarchy will start to take shape with each pitch thrown in the desert sun.
