The Chicago White Sox have officially confirmed plans to shift right-handed pitcher Grant Taylor into the starting rotation for the upcoming season. General Manager Chris Getz announced the strategic change during the GM meetings on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, stating that the organization believes the time is appropriate for Taylor to take on a full-time starting role.
Since his major league debut in June 2025, Taylor, 24, has served primarily as a high-leverage reliever, excelling as both a closer and an opener. His 2026 campaign was highlighted by a 7-3 record with a 2.25 ERA and 10 saves across 60 outings. Notable postseason performances included a four-inning save against the Cleveland Guardians in the American League Division Series and an impressive stint against the Houston Astros. Getz noted that Taylor’s success in multi-inning relief appearances in 2026—where he posted a 1.91 ERA in games requiring four or more outs—informed the decision to move him to a starter's schedule.
According to the Chicago Tribune, the transition is intended to manage Taylor’s workload and build upon the consistency he displayed throughout his sophomore major league season. The White Sox management indicated that this move addresses a primary offseason objective to strengthen their starting pitching depth. As a result of this transition, the team will need to reconfigure their bullpen, a task Getz acknowledged will be challenging. The club remains in search of additional arms to bolster their roster during the offseason.
While Taylor moves to the rotation, the White Sox also clarified the future role of left-hander Hagen Smith. Following his successful 2026 debut, where he posted a 1.29 ERA in 18 appearances, Smith is slated to remain in a multi-inning bullpen role for the upcoming spring training. Getz emphasized that the organization is open-minded regarding future adjustments for Smith, but maintains a current blueprint that favors his continued development in relief. For more details on the team's offseason developments, visit the source report at the Chicago Tribune.
