Chicago White Sox: Season preview of bullpen pitchers

Jimmy Cordero

Another name to find success in 2019 after years of disappointment was Jimmy Cordero. Finally breaking into the majors at age 26 with Washington in 2018, Cordero was not given a whole lot of chances to display his talents.

In just 19 innings, he put up a 5.68 ERA. Cordero started his 2019 in the minor leagues for the Toronto Blue Jays. He did pitch in a game for Toronto, 1.1 innings to be exact, but he gave up two hits and a solo shot. Shortly after, the White Sox were able to snag this hidden gem. In 36 innings, he posted a 2.75 ERA. He struck out 31 and only walked 11. Always tugging at his right sleeve, the flame-throwing righty has shown glimpses to be a fourth lights-out arm in the Sox bullpen.

Kelvin Herrera

Entering into the more questionable part of the bullpen begins with Kelvin Herrera. No question Herrera has had a tremendous career, especially with the Royals.

His two-year dominance in 2015 and 2016 made him one of the game’s best relievers. He followed a 2.71 ERA season with a 2.75. Following the Royals remodeling their lights-out bullpen in 2017, Herrera was named the closer but struggled to continue his success. He posted a 4.25 ERA with only 26 saves.

He did have a fantastic 2018 posting a 2.44 ERA with both Kansas City and Washington Nationals, which attracted the White Sox. But after acquiring him before the 2019 season, he would not be the same Herrera we have seen in years past. Expected to be the dominant set-up man in the 8th, he, unfortunately, posted a 6.14 ERA in 51.1 innings. He did strike out 53, but he walked 23 and gave up 35 earned runs.

It is expected that Herrera will take a backseat in terms of innings with respect to the names mentioned above. There is always a chance he will turn things around and we will get to see flashes of ‘15 Herrera. Luckily for the White Sox, there are still two years left on his contract for only $18 million.