Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

2023 White Sox in Review: Touki Toussaint

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Besnik Zekiri | Last updated Jan 9, 2024 6:07 PM ET

The Chicago White Sox faced several injuries to pitchers while others underperformed by midseason in 2023. At the end of June, the Sox claimed Touki Toussaint off waivers from the Cleveland Guardians to bolster their bullpen. Struggling reliever Nicholas Padilla earned a demotion, and the 27-year-old Toussaint replaced him on the active roster. He eventually moved to the starting rotation when Mike Clevinger landed on the injured list.

A former top-100 prospect and first-round pick, Toussaint has bounced around a few teams since breaking into the big leagues in 2018. The right-hander didn't produce extraordinary numbers in 2023 with the White Sox, but he did everything one could expect from a midseason waiver pick-up.

Pleasant Surprise

Toussaint ate innings for the non-contending White Sox while posting a 4.97 ERA, a figure inflated by two rough starts. The veteran had only three starts of allowing more than four runs. He enjoyed a strong finish to the season and allowed just one run in his final three starts.

Toussaint features one of the best curveballs in the league and a mid-90s fastball. His inconsistent command and control have wreaked havoc on an otherwise promising career.

Final Grade: C+

However, three years of team control and a second year working with pitching coach Ethan Katz and senior pitching advisor Brian Bannister could unlock some potential. The White Sox have improved their defense up the middle, which will benefit a ground ball pitcher like Toussaint.

What's On Tap Next?

The future of Dylan Cease's White Sox career is uncertain. Thus, Spring Training will feature a competition for three or four spots in the rotation. Toussaint should figure into that equation as a back-end starter. At the very least, he's in play as a long reliever and spot starter. Toussaint should be part of the White Sox pitching staff as a starter or reliever in 2024.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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