The Chicago White Sox have a storied history of developing elite pitching talent, with Chris Sale standing out as one of the most dominant left-handers of his era. Now, the organization is nurturing another towering southpaw, Noah Schultz, whose attributes and early career trajectory invite compelling comparisons to Sale.
From ESPN's latest MLB spring training 2025: One player to watch on every team:
Physical Stature and Delivery
Standing at 6-foot-9, Schultz surpasses Sale's 6-foot-6 frame, offering a unique physical presence on the mound. Both pitchers utilize a low arm slot, which, combined with their height, creates a challenging angle for hitters. This delivery not only adds deception but also enhances the movement of their pitches, making them particularly formidable against left-handed batters.
Pitch Arsenal
Schultz's repertoire is headlined by a devastating slider, considered one of the best in the minor leagues. The pitch functions more as a sweeper, averaging 82.7 mph with 13.1 inches of horizontal break, and has held opposing batters to a .356 OPS. His fastball complements the slider, sitting in the mid-90s and generating significant ground balls and weak contact. While still a work in progress, Schultz is also developing an upper-80s changeup, which adds a crucial third dimension to his arsenal.
Similarly, Sale's success was built on a potent fastball-slider combination. His fastball could reach the mid-90s, and his slider, delivered from his distinctive low arm slot, was particularly effective against left-handers. Sale also incorporated a changeup, enhancing his effectiveness against right-handed hitters and contributing to his status as one of the premier strikeout artists in the game.
Early Career Performance
In the 2024 season, Schultz showcased his potential across High-A and Double-A levels. Over 91.2 innings, he maintained a 2.37 ERA, striking out 121 batters while issuing 25 walks and allowing only three home runs. The White Sox managed his workload cautiously, limiting him to no more than four innings per start and ensuring ample rest between appearances.
Sale's ascent was more rapid. After being drafted 13th overall in 2010, he made his MLB debut the same year, initially contributing as a reliever before transitioning to the starting rotation. His immediate impact was evident, and he quickly established himself as a cornerstone of the White Sox pitching staff.
Developmental Focus
As Schultz prepares for the 2025 season, the White Sox plan to increase his workload, allowing him to pitch deeper into games. This progression will test his stamina and ability to maintain effectiveness over extended outings. A key area of focus will be the continued development of his changeup, which will be essential for keeping hitters off balance and enhancing his effectiveness against right-handed batters. Additionally, refining his command to reduce walk rates will be crucial as he faces more advanced competition.
Sale's early development also emphasized the refinement of his secondary pitches and command. His ability to consistently throw strikes and manage pitch counts allowed him to transition smoothly from the bullpen to the starting rotation, where he became known for his durability and effectiveness over long outings.
Injury Considerations
Both pitchers have faced injury challenges. Schultz's 2024 season was cut short due to a shoulder injury following a forearm strain that delayed the start of his season. These setbacks limited him to 27 innings, during which he posted a 1.33 ERA with 38 strikeouts and six walks.
Sale has also dealt with injuries in his career, including Tommy John surgery in 2020 and subsequent setbacks that have impacted his availability. Despite these challenges, he has demonstrated resilience, returning to form and continuing to contribute at a high level when healthy.
Outlook
While it's premature to declare Schultz the next Chris Sale, the parallels in their profiles are striking. Both possess a rare combination of height, delivery mechanics, and pitch arsenals, making them formidable on the mound. Schultz's development will require careful management to navigate injury risks and ensure the refinement of his secondary pitches and command. If he can successfully make these adjustments, he has the potential to become a dominant force in the White Sox rotation, much like Sale before him.
The 2025 season will be pivotal for Schultz as he transitions to a more traditional workload and faces higher levels of competition. White Sox fans have reason to be optimistic, as Schultz's talent and early performance suggest he could follow in the footsteps of one of the franchise's all-time greats.
