2022 White Sox in Review: Tanner Banks

Tanner Banks, a career journeyman, was thrust into the role of a left-handed specialist in 2022. Because of the injury to Garret Crochet, the Chicago White Sox had to scramble to find left-handed relief pitching. In addition to Banks, the Sox also tried Bennett Sousa in this role.

Tanner Banks' 2022 Season

Banks was a career minor leaguer in the White Sox system and entered 2022, his rookie campaign, at the age of 30. The former 18th-round pick in 2014 broke camp with the team but bounced between Triple-A and the big league club throughout the year.

Banks got off to a hot start and did not allow a run in his first seven appearances. His scoreless innings streak was snapped at 14 on May 1 against the Angels.

However, Banks faltered through the rest of May and was sent down to Triple-A Charlotte in early June. It was the first of three times the lefty would be sent to the Knights. But he was eventually recalled after each stint in the minors and it never took long for the Sox to bring him back up.

Banks posted a 1.89 ERA over his final 33.1 innings after putting the month of May behind him. The vast majority of those innings came in low-leverage situations. Saving the arms of starters or relievers in mop-up duty isn't flashy, but it's an important role that someone has to fill. Banks did a solid job when called upon in such situations.

The rookie was never cut out to be a high-leverage arm to replace a promising young pitcher like Garrett Crochet. Banks typically wasn't used as such and performed well. He proved his worth as a reliable lefty that can pitch multiple innings when used correctly in a low-leverage role.

It’s hard to find any reason to fault Banks when considering what he was asked to do.

Final Grade: C+

What's On Tap Next?

The Chicago White Sox may be able to utilize Tanner Banks in a valuable role in 2023. However, considering the southpaw will be 31 entering next season, Chicago may look elsewhere to fill the role.