Earlier this week, White Sox GM Chris Getz spoke to the media for the first time since Chicago’s ALDS Game 5 loss against the Guardians. Getz reflected on the season and provided some updates on the future. Among the topics of conversation were positions the White Sox will pursue upgrades in during the upcoming offseason, with Getz emphasizing the starting rotation as an obvious area of need. I previously discussed a few starting pitching options I’d like to see the White Sox pursue, so this will be a bit of a different conversation. Let’s discuss a dream target, a realistic target, and a mistake the White Sox could make in their pitching search.
Dream Target: LHP Tarik Skubal
It’s impossible to discuss the pitching free agent class without mentioning two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal, the best pitcher available by a wide margin and one of the most dominant arms in all of baseball. The soon-to-be 30-year-old spent the first six and a half seasons with the Tigers before a midseason trade sent him to the Dodgers. He won the Cy Young Award in both 2024 and 2025, with a 2.39 and 2.21 ERA in each year, and would’ve been squarely in the mix for 2026 as well if not for an injury that cost him six weeks in May and June.
Do I think the White Sox have any chance at landing Tarik Skubal? Probably not. To be honest, I’d be surprised if they’re even interested. But Chicago has a very low payroll and an obvious need in the starting rotation. In theory, they could add Skubal for $30-40 million a year and still have payroll room for other upgrades on the roster. They’re a young, exciting team who seems to be just beginning their competitive window, so it’s a destination that could be appealing for Skubal. He’ll no doubt have his pick though, and it’s hard to see the White Sox competing financially with some of the other markets. I guess one can dream.
Realistic Target: RHP Tyler Mahle
Maybe big-game hunting isn’t realistic for the White Sox this offseason, but there’s no reason they can’t add at least one impact starting pitcher in free agency. Braves righty Tyler Mahle is an interesting veteran arm who shined during the second half of the season and into the playoffs. While most pitchers traded at the deadline struggled in their new home, Mahle posted a 1.99 ERA in nine starts with Atlanta and allowed just two earned runs in 13.1 innings in the Postseason. Mahle turned 32 in September and will be looking to leverage his strong finish into a solid contract. Perhaps a two or three-year deal could be in the cards for a player who’s always had a productive career but has battled frequent injuries. Mahle would be a strong veteran presence in the White Sox rotation and has a recent history of Postseason success. He could be one of the names on Chicago’s target list.
Tyler Mahle exits to a standing ovation from Braves fans 👏 pic.twitter.com/0eK6URe7x5
— MLB (@MLB) October 8, 2026
Mistake: LHP Robbie Ray
Left-hander Robbie Ray was one of the most talked about names ahead of the trade deadline, and the Giants ultimately dealt him within their division to the San Diego Padres. Some concerning metrics made Ray a prime candidate for regression, and he posted just a 5.02 ERA in nine starts for San Diego down the stretch. Still, he has back to back seasons with an ERA under 3.70, so he’s deserving of a big league deal this offseason. I don’t think that should be the White Sox, however. Ray is now 35 years old and his underlying metrics were scary in 2026. He pitched in two ballparks that heavily favor pitchers, whereas Chicago is a more hitter-friendly environment. Ray is a veteran who has struggled in the playoffs in his career, and his age is a real concern. I’d stay away here if I were the White Sox.
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