Chicago White Sox reliever makes bold bullpen prediction

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Zack Cariola | Last updated Mar 3, 2026 11:02 AM ET

Chicago White Sox reliever Grant Taylor got his feet wet in the big leagues last season, pitching out of a shaky bullpen (dead last in saves, 25), and he believes things will be better in 2026.

“I think we can be one of the best bullpens in the game,” Taylor said to Elijah Evans of Just Baseball Media. “I’d say we’re close to that just purely based on stuff.”

In 36.2 innings pitching out of the bullpen, Taylor had a 2-4 record with a 4.91 ERA, with six saves and striking out 54. Taylor should be an important member of manager Will Venabale’s bullpen, which will feature some new faces.

The Chicago White Sox’s new faces in the bullpen should help Grant Taylor’s prediction come true

Feb 10, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Chicago White Sox pitcher Grant Taylor (31) warms up during spring training camp at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

Taylor is one of a handful of arms returning to occupy a spot in the bullpen, with right-handers Mike Vasil and Jordan Leasure — the White Sox leader in saves last season with seven — also returning. Right-handers Seranthony Dominguuez — free agent signing for two years, $20 million — and Jordan Hicks — traded over from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for right-hander Gage Ziehl and a player to be named later — were brought in to offer some experienced arms.

Dominguez will likely get the first crack at being Venable’s closer, with 40 career saves under his belt, but Taylor or Hicks (35 career saves) could also see time in the ninth inning.

Others like left-handers Tyler Gilbert, Brandon Eisert, and Sean Newcomb (who could also be in the starting rotation), and right-handed Wikelman Gonzalez, will offer suitable depth pieces to fill things out.

Feb 10, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Chicago White Sox pitcher Grant Taylor (31) throws in the bullpen during spring training camp at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

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

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