Hagen Smith continues to impress for White Sox

Chicago White Sox pitcher Hagen Smith. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Hagen Smith continues to impress for White Sox

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated Sep 15, 2026 5:11 PM ET

Chicago White Sox left-handed reliever Hagen Smith has been an impressive arm in the bullpen, boasting a dominant 0.41 ERA.

In addition, he has thrown 17 and 1/3 consecutive scoreless innings since Aug. 20. The 23-year-old rookie has pitched 22 innings across 13 games with a 3-1 record and 32 strikeouts with a 0.82 WHIP.

In the team's 7-3 win against the Cleveland Guardians on Monday, he pitched two scoreless innings with three strikeouts and only allowed one hit.

He helped the team pick up one of its biggest wins this season, boosting its lead to 1.5 games over the Guardians in the AL Central race. The southpaw has provided an immediate impact for the White Sox, and in September, he has dominated with 16 strikeouts and no walks across 11 innings pitched.

Hagen Smith has thrown 17.1 STRAIGHT scoreless innings in the majors

2.0 IP | 1 H | 0 R | 0 ER | 0 BB | 3 SO

The lefty lowers his ERA to 0.41 pic.twitter.com/5q4V8ozqjw
— Milb Central (@milb_central) September 15, 2026

Hagen Smith's rookie season with the White Sox deserves more recognition

In his first season in the majors, he has averaged less than 13 pitches per inning, demonstrating his efficiency. Despite his high 13.09 K/9, he's practically been unhittable and has only allowed one run, a home run to Pete Crow-Armstrong on Aug. 17.

As a weapon in the pen, Smith possesses an elite 6.9 foot extension that sits in the 87th percentile. He also has a unique arm slot and a dominant slider that's held opponents to a minuscule .057 batting average, while also generating a high 46.7% whiff rate.

It will be compelling to see how the White Sox utilize him in the future as he provides the team with flexibility as a former starting pitcher. He could be an intriguing option to transition into the team's rotation.

Overall, his effectiveness with stabilizing the relief corps has been a big part of the team's surprising turnaround this season as they look to clinch their first playoff berth since 2021.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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