The Chicago White Sox need innings. That is the simplest way to explain why bringing back Erick Fedde makes sense. There's a lot in the air for any franchise when the offseason has only just begun, and it often takes a while before there's a light at the end of the tunnel.
White Sox starters threw for 674.2 innings in 2026, the fewest in Major League Baseball. Fedde alone accounted for 141 of them, making him one of only four White Sox pitchers to clear 140 innings. During that time, Fedde posted a 3.83, working as the bulk arm in most of his starts.
The price makes keeping Fedde an easy call
That's exactly the kind of guy you want to keep around when the whole starting rotation pitched the least in the league. But Fedde is now a free agent, out to test the open market. Spotrac.com estimates his value at just under $12 million for a two year contract. Fedde will be 34 years old by the time the next season begins, and with only $71.25 million for the 2027 season, the White Sox should make the move.
There is also the matter of what happens if he leaves. The White Sox want to stretch out Grant Taylor and Hagen Smith as starters, and they've both earned it. Taylor posted a 2.25 ERA across 84 bullpen innings, and Smith posted an impressive 1.28 ERA across 28 innings.
Fedde's presence gives manager Will Venable a veteran who can take the ball every fifth day, or follow an opener, allowing the younger guys to build at their own pace.
None of it works if Fedde is the whole plan. Luis Castillo is still due a lot of money next season after posting a horrendous 8.42 ERA, and finished the season on the Injured Reserve list. Meanwhile, Davis Martin spent the second half of the season battling a calf issue. The White Sox need a real addition near the top of the rotation, not simply the familiar faces.
Keeping Fedde isn't the same as doing nothing. At two years under $12 million, he's the cheapest reliable innings on the market, and this staff needs reliable innings more than another project. Getz should get him signed, and then go find the cherry on top.
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