The Chicago White Sox added more depth to their starting rotation on Tuesday.
Reports on Tuesday morning were that the White Sox and New York Mets were in a bidding war for veteran starting pitcher Erick Fedde. Fedde spent the 2023 season playing in the KBO but after posting an ERA of 2.00 in just over 180 innings pitched, he was looking for a return to Major League Baseball.
Jeff Passan of ESPN reports on Tuesday night that the White Sox signed Fedde to a two-year deal worth $15MM.
Right-hander Erick Fedde and the Chicago White Sox are in agreement on a two-year, $15 million contract, sources tell ESPN. Fedde, 30, went 20-6 with a 2.00 ERA for the NC Dinos in the KBO, where he was named MVP this year.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 5, 2023
Fedde was last in Major League Baseball during the 2022 season with the Washington Nationals. Fedde made 27 starts with the Nationals that season while posting a 5.81 ERA. Fedde spent six seasons in Major League Baseball before joining the KBO last season. In those six seasons, Fedde posted a 5.41 ERA in 102 appearances.
The White Sox are a team that is in desperate need of filling out their starting rotation and Fedde will be capable of eating innings at the very least. The goal, whether it’s this season or next, maybe for Fedde’s success in the KBO to translate to success against Major League hitters. While $15MM is a high price to pay for a pitcher that has yet to have sustainable success, Fedde could be a flip candidate for the White Sox at some point within the next two years.
Dylan Cease remains a likely candidate to be traded this off-season. Having depth like Fedde will ensure that the White Sox have arms to fill out the rotation as they wait for their recently acquired pitching prospects to be Major League-ready.