White Sox Claim Pair Of Intriguing Pitchers

The Brewers to White Sox pipeline is as strong as ever. Right-handed pitcher Elvis Peguero and left-handed pitcher Bryan Hudson were both claimed by the White Sox from the Brewers this afternoon, per the team. The pair were optioned to Triple-A Charlotte, while right-handed pitcher Jesse Scholtens was designated for assignment.

Elvis Peguero

Peguero, 28, is the more experienced pitcher of the two. The 6'4, 238-pound right-hander has 133 MLB games to his name and has seen quite a bit of success in his career. In 2023 and 2024, he combined for 111 appearances of 3.20 ERA ball for the Brewers with a respectable 3.92 FIP, 1.37 WHIP, and 8.1 K/9. Peguero has consistently shown elite metrics in barrel%, chase%, gb%, and extension as a sinker and slider pitcher.

Walks have been Peguero's undoing this year. He has made just six MLB appearances this season and walked four in 7.1 innings. In 27 Triple-A appearances, he has walked 15 in just 25.1 innings. He fell out of favor in the Brewers' bullpen and will now head to the White Sox for a change of scenery.

Bryan Hudson

Hudson, 28, has MLB success to his name as well. The 6'8, 248-pound left-hander was fantastic in 43 games for the Brewers last season. Over 62.1 innings, he pitched to a sparkling 1.73 ERA, 3.60 FIP, 0.72 WHIP, and 9.0 K/9. He has a four-seam fastball, sweeper, sinker, changeup, and cutter in his arsenal.

Poor command has also been Hudson's main problem. In 10.1 MLB innings this season, he has walked 12 batters. His velocity is also down by a full mile per hour this season. Like Peguero, however, Hudson has generated quality marks in extension and barrel%. The White Sox have generally succeeded in getting the most out of big left-handed pitchers, so gambling on Hudson seems worthwhile. 

Jesse Scholtens

As for Scholtens, the extent of his MLB experience came in 26 games with the 2023 White Sox. He pitched to a 5.29 ERA, 1.53 WHIP, and 6.1 K/9 in 85 innings before going down to Tommy John surgery. He missed the entire 2024 season and returned this season, where he put up a mediocre 5.28 ERA over six starts with the Triple-A Charlotte Knights. The White Sox now risk losing him, but as a 31-year-old with minimal MLB success coming off Tommy John surgery, it seems likely that he will clear waivers and remain in the organization.

Brewers To White Sox Pipeline

The White Sox love bringing in former Brewers pitchers of late. This season alone, they have plucked Shane Smith, Tyler Alexander, and Aaron Civale from Milwaukee and gotten quality results. They also recently traded away Adrian Houser, a former Brewer who revitalized his career in Chicago. Current White Sox bench coach Walker McKinven spent nearly a decade in the Brewers organization before joining Will Venable's coaching staff, so he could have recommended the White Sox bring in all these former Brewers pitchers.

Low Risk/High Reward

Despite having different repertoires and pitching styles, Elvis Peguero and Bryan Hudson are similar. They both struggle with walks, have seen their velocity drop this year, and are from the Brewers' pitching lab. Peguero will not be a free agent until after the 2028 season, while Hudson will not reach free agency until 2029. As waiver claims, there is minimal risk and a fairly substantial reward. They have had previous MLB success and represent potential long-term, affordable bullpen options for the White Sox if they can get them back on track.