Versatile White Sox pitcher has earned a bigger late-game role

Imagn Images

Versatile White Sox pitcher has earned a bigger late-game role

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Tyler Koerth | Last updated Jun 1, 2026 9:56 AM ET

The Chicago White Sox have received several unexpected contributions from their bullpen this season. Bryan Hudson has been one of the club’s most effective relievers with a 1.26 ERA in 29 games, Sean Newcomb owns a 2.62 ERA, and rookie Grant Taylor has impressed with a 2.12 mark. Additionally, since being called up at the end of April, Tyler Davis has posted a 3.12 ERA across 15 appearances.

Collectively, that group has arguably outperformed both of the team’s notable offseason bullpen additions: Jordan Hicks, who arrived via trade, and Seranthony Domínguez, who leads the club with 11 saves but has not been as dominant as several of his fellow relievers. However, based on both his results and underlying metrics, Taylor stands out from the pack.

The White Sox initially deployed him in a versatile role by asking him to handle a variety of situations, evidenced by four of his first seven appearances being as an opener, but his performance has increasingly made the case that he deserves a larger share of the team’s high-leverage innings late in games.

Grant Taylor’s electric repertoire is built for high-leverage situations, making him a strong candidate for late-inning duties

May 19, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Chicago White Sox pitcher Grant Taylor (31) high fives catcher Edgar Quero (26) following a victory against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

At the start of the season, the White Sox announced that Taylor would not be used as a starter in 2026. Instead, manager Will Venable has deployed him in a variety of roles, and the right-hander has thrived regardless of the assignment. Whether he’s opening a game, covering a single inning, or working multiple frames, Taylor has consistently overpowered opposing hitters.

Armed with an electric three-pitch mix that consistently generates swings and misses, Taylor has the kind of arsenal that fits perfectly in the back end of a bullpen and could ultimately profile as a future closer. His 98 mph fastball is producing whiffs at a 29% rate and plays up even further thanks to his elite extension, which gives hitters less time to react. Meanwhile, his secondary pitches, a curveball and slider, have combined to generate a 30% whiff rate, and he has allowed just one extra-base hit on each offering all season, underscoring just how difficult he has been to square up.

All that said, Taylor has primarily been used in the sixth and seventh innings this season, with most of his opportunities coming in medium-leverage situations. He has already recorded four holds and one save, but with a 2.12 ERA and 44 strikeouts across 29.2 innings, a shift into higher-leverage spots feels increasingly inevitable.

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

More must-reads: