White Sox can't allow Noah Schultz, Hagen Smith's bullpen dominance to change their plans

If you would’ve told any White Sox fan at the beginning of the season that Noah Schultz and Hagen Smith would be contributing to the big league club in September, I don’t think they would’ve been surprised. Both pitchers began the season with Triple-A Charlotte with hopes of making an impact on the big league team in 2026, and both have accomplished that goal. It hasn’t been the way either envisioned, but sometimes the circumstances change the plans. With the White Sox in possession of a postseason spot with just six games to go, they’ve taken an all-hands-on-deck approach to the pitching staff down the stretch, a position that’s included a move to the bullpen for a pair of their best starting pitching prospects. 

Smith and Schultz both began the year as starters– albeit on an innings limit– and both have gone through their share of adversity this season. For the second straight year, Hagen Smith missed time with a shoulder injury, and frequently encountered hiccups with his control when healthy. With the White Sox needing reinforcements in the bullpen and wanting to get Smith a look at big league hitters this season, he returned from the IL in July in a bullpen role, prompting his call-up to the big leagues on August 8th. Through 16 games, Smith has quickly become one of the White Sox more reliable relievers, posting a stellar 1.07 ERA and striking out 38 in 25.1 innings. He does, at times, struggle with control, but there’s no question the stuff plays against big league hitters. 

Noah Schultz made just three starts with Charlotte to start the season before earning the big league call, but his introduction to major league hitters was a bit of a rude awakening. Aside from a flare-up of the knee tendonitis that sidelined him in 2025, Schultz struggled with his command and left too many pitches over the plate, leading to some struggles. He was optioned back to Triple-A at the beginning of August, where he remained a starter and posted solid but unimpressive numbers. With just a handful of games remaining and a need for productive innings, the White Sox brought Schultz back to pitch out of the bullpen, and he opened eyes with his high-leverage outing and increased velocity on Saturday. 

Smith and Schultz should be starters for 2027 despite bullpen success

Hagen Smith and Noah Schultz have been excellent weapons out of the team’s bullpen down the stretch, but the White Sox shouldn’t let this deter them from their future plans of having Smith and Schultz in the rotation. Both pitchers have seen their pitch mix improve as relievers, but both have demonstrated the ability to be productive starters in the past. The move makes a ton of sense for the remainder of 2026. Both Smith and Schultz have exceeded their career high in innings already, and they’re two of the more talented arms in the organization. But there’s a reason the White Sox drafted them both in the first round, and it wasn’t to be late-inning relievers. It’s a good fallback plan if things go wrong, but it’s too early to make that decision. Fortunately, it sounds like the White Sox agree.

With Davis Martin, Sean Burke, and Anthony Kay in tow for next season, the remainder of the White Sox rotation for 2027 is up in the air. Erick Fedde is a free agent. Luis Castillo has struggled mightily and has been moved to the bullpen for now. David Sandlin has shown flashes but has been inconsistent. Even if they add to the rotation this offseason, the White Sox are likely to have an opening or two when spring training rolls around, and both Smith and Schultz should be a part of that conversation. It’s been an overall rough year for the White Sox pitching development, but all hope is not lost. Hagen Smith and Noah Schultz have shown in recent days why the White Sox drafted them, and they could take it to a whole new level in 2027 in the rotation.

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