White Sox bring back Erick Fedde to compete for spot in rotation

GLENDALE, Ariz. — The White Sox brought back a familiar face to fight for a spot in their starting rotation Monday on the eve of pitchers’ and catchers' official report date for spring training, agreeing to a one-year deal with Erick Fedde pending a physical, a source confirmed.

Fedde will look to rediscover the serviceable form he provided in 2024 after general manager Chris Getz first snagged him from South Korea’s KBO League, going 7-4 with a 3.11 ERA in 21 starts as a rare bright spot on a squad that ended up losing a modern-era-record 121 games.

The right-hander, who turns 33 this month, led that team with 4.6 wins above replacement per Baseball Reference, despite being dealt to St. Louis at that year’s trade deadline.

Fedde struggled last year during stints with the Cardinals, Braves and Brewers, for an overall record of 4-13 with a 5.49 ERA across 24 starts and 8 relief appearances. His fastball tops out around 93 mph along with a sinker, cutter, sweeper and change.

While he turned things around late last season as hitters mustered an average of just .186 against him out of Milwaukee’s bullpen, Fedde figures to be back in the starting mix for manager Will Venable and first-year pitching coach Zach Bove.

The only names inked in the Sox' rotation so far are ‘25 All-Star Shane Smith, Davis Martin and free-agent signing Anthony Kay.

The Sox previously added Sean Newcomb to compete for a spot with Jonathan Cannon and Sean Burke, while second-year right-handers Grant Taylor and Mike Vasil look to make their cases for the rotation as well after impressive rookie years mostly out of the bullpen.

Newcomers Chris Murphy, Jedixson Paez and David Sandlin could be in the fray for the Glendale starting competition, too.

Joel Sherman of the New York Post first reported Fedde's signing. Getz was scheduled to speak to reporters late Monday afternoon at Camelback Ranch.