{"id":147049,"date":"2026-01-31T00:41:55","date_gmt":"2026-01-31T00:41:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=147049"},"modified":"2026-01-31T00:41:55","modified_gmt":"2026-01-31T00:41:55","slug":"%f0%9f%9a%a8-veteran-bullpen-boost-the-chicago-white-sox-have-just-signed-a-veteran-bullpen-arm-to-strengthen-their-relief-staff-for-the-upcoming-season-with-experience-on-his-side-will-this-move-b","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=147049","title":{"rendered":"\ud83d\udea8 VETERAN BULLPEN BOOST: The Chicago White Sox have just signed a veteran bullpen arm to strengthen their relief staff for the upcoming season. With experience on his side, will this move be the key to securing late-game victories and boosting the White Sox\u2019s playoff chances?"},"content":{"rendered":"

White Sox Sign Veteran Bullpen Arm<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Chicago White Sox<\/strong> continue to address their bullpen woes by adding Lucas Sims<\/strong> on a minor league deal<\/strong> as a non-roster invitee<\/strong> to spring training for the 2026 season<\/strong>. Despite a few offseason acquisitions, including the recent signing of Seranthony Dominguez<\/strong>, the White Sox bullpen still remains a work in progress<\/strong>. After a disappointing 15-36 record<\/strong> in one-run games<\/strong> last season, it\u2019s clear that improving the bullpen is one of the team\u2019s top priorities.<\/p>\n

\"Chicago<\/p>\n

The signing of Sims, a veteran reliever with extensive experience in the majors, could be a key step in solidifying the White Sox\u2019s late-game options. Sims enters his 10th season in the big leagues<\/strong>, and while his career 4.86 ERA<\/strong> isn\u2019t eye-popping, his track record suggests he could be a useful asset if he can regain his previous form.<\/p>\n

Sims\u2019 Career and Background<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sims was originally drafted in the first round<\/strong> of the 2012 MLB Draft<\/strong> by the Atlanta Braves<\/strong> as a starter. His major league debut came in 2017<\/strong>, where he made 10 starts<\/strong> but struggled with a 5.62 ERA<\/strong>. However, Sims\u2019 career trajectory took a turn when he moved to the bullpen in 2018<\/strong> with the Braves. Unfortunately, his transition wasn\u2019t smooth, as he posted a 7.84 ERA<\/strong> in his brief stint.<\/p>\n

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

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

Sims\u2019 2022 season<\/strong> was marred by injury, limiting him to just six games<\/strong>, but he bounced back in 2023<\/strong>, delivering a stellar 3.10 ERA<\/strong> in 67 appearances<\/strong> with 72 strikeouts<\/strong>. However, his time in Boston<\/strong> in 2024<\/strong> and with the Washington Nationals<\/strong> in 2025<\/strong> proved to be challenging, as he struggled with his control. In Boston<\/strong>, he posted a 6.43 ERA<\/strong>, and his time with the Nationals was even worse, with a disastrous 13.86 ERA<\/strong> in 18 games<\/strong>. Now, Sims is looking to prove that he can still contribute to a major league bullpen on this minor league contract.<\/p>\n

What Sims Brings to the White Sox<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sims, while inconsistent in recent seasons, has proven he can be an effective reliever when at his best. His stuff, including a powerful fastball<\/strong> and sharp slider<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s in long relief<\/strong> or as a late-game setup man<\/strong>, 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<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Competition in the White Sox Bullpen<\/strong><\/p>\n

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

Mike Vasil<\/strong>, one of the top rookies for the Sox in 2025<\/strong>, is expected to serve as the long reliever<\/strong>, but he could also be in contention for a high-leverage role<\/strong> or even a starting spot. Vasil impressed with a 2.50 ERA<\/strong> over more than 100 innings<\/strong> last season, making him a key piece of the White Sox\u2019s pitching future.<\/p>\n

Sean Newcomb<\/strong>, 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<\/strong>, Newcomb posted a 1.75 ERA<\/strong>, which could make him a key weapon for the Sox bullpen in 2026<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

On the left-handed side, the White Sox bullpen<\/strong> will likely feature Brandon Eisert<\/strong> and Tyler Gilbert<\/strong>, who will provide depth as the team\u2019s lefty relievers. Additionally, Jedixson Paez<\/strong> and Alexander Alberto<\/strong>, two promising arms selected in the Rule 5 Draft<\/strong>, could also have a chance to make the team. If they don\u2019t make the roster, they will have to be returned to their original teams, adding an element of intrigue and competition for the White Sox\u2019s bullpen spots.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

Sims\u2019 Path to the Majors<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sims certainly faces an uphill battle to make the White Sox\u2019s Opening Day roster<\/strong>, 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<\/strong>, Sims could provide valuable depth for the White Sox bullpen.<\/p>\n

While Sims<\/strong> 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\u2019t start the season with the major league team, Sims could be a key midseason call-up<\/strong> if the White Sox encounter injuries or need reinforcements in the bullpen.<\/p>\n

Conclusion: A Low-Risk, High-Reward Move for the White Sox<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Chicago White Sox<\/strong> are taking a calculated risk by signing Lucas Sims<\/strong> to a minor league contract<\/strong>. While his recent struggles with the Nationals<\/strong> in 2025<\/strong> 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<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Sims\u2019 signing represents a low-risk, high-reward move<\/strong> for a bullpen that still has plenty of uncertainty. If he can regain his form from his peak seasons with the Cincinnati Reds<\/strong>, he could become a key part of the White Sox\u2019s pitching staff as they look to improve upon their performance in 2026<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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