White Sox Eye Free-Agent Starter Who Fits Their Rotation

The White Sox remain in the market for another starting pitcher, with a former Angels right-hander emerging as a reported target.

The New York Times reported that the White Sox expressed interest in 29-year-old Griffin Canning in late December, but other teams are expressing interest. 

Canning threw 76.1 innings for the Mets last season, posting a solid 3.77 ERA over his first 16 starts before a ruptured left Achilles tendon cut his season short in June. His slider and curveball emerged as two of his most effective pitches last season. Opponents hit just .196 off of his changeup last season, while his curveball generated a 26% whiff rate. 

Before joining the Mets, Canning spent his first six MLB seasons with the Angels, though he missed the entire 2022 season because of injury.

His slider and curveball also emerged as two of his most effective pitches last season. Opponents hit just .196 off of his changeup last season, while his curveball generated a 26% whiff rate. 

After adding Anthony Kay to the rotation, the White Sox suddenly have no shortage of options at the back end. Drew Thorpe and Ky Bush are returning from injury, while Sean Burke showed flashes of upside last season after earning the Opening Day start.

Davis Martin and Shane Smith appear to be locks to be in the rotation. But with Smith coming off his rookie season and Martin coming off a career high 142.2 innings last season, there is still room for another arm to help eat innings for the young rotation. 

Canning is not a true workhorse. His career high is 171.2 innings, set in 2024, and he is now coming off an injury. Still, a pitcher of his caliber could be an ideal fit for the White Sox. Canning has shown he can be an effective starter and consistently give his team a chance to win.

Chicago will likely want to get extended looks at Drew Thorpe and Ky Bush at some point during the season, meaning Canning would not be asked to carry a heavy innings load. Even so, his presence could provide valuable stability and help the White Sox avoid the frequent use of openers that defined last year’s rotation, thanks to the added depth he would bring.

Canning’s profile would also play well in a hitter-friendly environment like Rate Field. Last season, he generated ground balls at a 51.6% rate, ranking among the highest marks in Major League Baseball.