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Chicago White Sox announce 2026 Opening Day starting rotation

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Robin Adams | Last updated Mar 17, 2026 4:47 PM ET

The Chicago White Sox are hoping the 2026 sees them take another massive step forward in their rebuild. After winning just 41 games in 2024, they won 60 in 2025. And while a 60-102 season is still dismal, the fact of the matter is that they proved they are heading in the right direction.

The 2026 White Sox are going to have growing pains. Such is the case with every team that boasts numerous young players in its lineup. That being said, they also have more talent in their organization than they did even a few months ago, and the future is looking bright in Chicago.

The Chicago White Sox have named their Opening Day starting rotation

Sep 28, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Chicago White Sox pitcher Shane Smith (64) pitches against the Washington Nationals during the third inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Not long ago, the White Sox revealed that 2025 AL All-Star Shane Smith will be their ace and Opening Day starting pitcher. On Tuesday, they announced the rest of their starting rotation:

White Sox manager Will Venable announced the team’s season-opening starting rotation: Shane Smith, Sean Burke, Anthony Kay, Davis Martin and Erick Fedde.

— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) March 17, 2026

Below are Chicago’s initial five-man starting rotation and their stats from 2025.

Shane Smith

29 starts, 7-8, 3.82 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 145 strikeouts, 146.1 innings

Sean Burke

28 games (22 starts), 4-11, 4.22 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 133 strikeouts, 134.1 innings

Anthony Kay

16 games (zero starts), 0-0, 6.14 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, 11 strikeouts, 14.1 innings (pitched for New York Mets and Chicago Cubs)

Davis Martin

26 games (25 starts), 7-10, 4.10 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 104 striketouts, 142.2 innings

Erick Fedde

32 games (24 starts), 4-13, 5.49 ERA, 1.52 WHIP, 83 strikeouts, 147.0 innings (pitched for the St. Louis Cardinals, Atlanta Braves, and Milwaukee Brewers; also threw a shutout early in 2025 with the Cardinals)

On the surface, this rotation leaves much to be desired. However, it is just the beginning of what is sure to be a starting group filled with young talent as soon as it develops.

Hopefully this group can help the White Sox see another large step forward in 2026.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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