The White Sox improved by 19 wins from the 2024 to the 2025 season, marking significant improvement. Additionally, the White Sox played much better than a 60-102 team for most of the second half, as they had some important contributions from the rookies on the roster.
As we dissect the 2025 season, we will take a look at how each player performed, as well as their outlook for 2026 and beyond. The next player we will take a look at will be starting pitcher, Jonathan Cannon.
Cannon opened up the season as one of the better pitchers on the team, as he started the second game of the season. In that start, he threw five scoreless innings against the Angels, striking out five batters. This was a good start to the season for Cannon, as he picked up where he left off in a successful 2024 campaign.
Great season debut for Jonathan Cannon!
— Just Another Year: White Sox (@JAYChi_WhiteSox) March 29, 2025
5.0 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 5 Kpic.twitter.com/nGOzQXfkWh
Unfortunately, April was a bit of a rough patch for Cannon, as he had a 5.33 ERA over 27 innings. However, he finished the month off on a high note, as he pitched 7.2 innings of three run ball against the A's after they used an opener for him.
This led to a solid May, as through his first three starts, he threw 18 innings, only allowing four runs. He had two rough starts after that, but his overall ERA in May was a solid 3.77 despite hitters hitting .297 off of him.
Cannon had a stint on the IL in June, as he was only able to make two starts, pitching to a 9 ERA over six innings. He walked 6 batters while striking out nine. In July, Cannon made five starts, pitching to a 5.2 ERA over 27.2 innings. He had a 1.37 WHIP, while hitters hit .275 off him.
This trend continued into August, as he had one start, throwing 1.2 innings of seven run ball against the Seattle Mariners. This led to Cannon being sent down to AAA, where he would throw 31 innings of 6.25 ERA baseball.
Cannon eventually returned to the White Sox in September, however his role shifted to a multi-inning relief pitcher. In 7.2 innings in September, Cannon had an 11.74 ERA with a 1.83 WHIP and a .324 batting average against. This is not what the White Sox wanted out of Cannon upon his return to the team.
This unfortunately was a lost season for Cannon, as hitters were simply just seeing him well. His control of the strike zone didn't change dramatically from 2024-2025, as he only walked .4 more batters per game. What made Cannon so good in 2024 was his ability to get out of tough situations, something he wasn't able to replicate in 2025.
I would grade Cannon out as a D- for the 2025 season. Unfortunately, he wasn't able to replicate his 2024 success, as he took a step back in almost every category. This may have been a sophomore slump for Cannon, as he will likely get another shot to prove himself in 2026. However, it won't be without competition, as Drew Thorpe, Mason Adams, and Ky Bush will all be returning from Tommy John surgery and will be competing for a rotation spot.
Cannon is very talented and still is only 25. He has had success in the major leagues and throws a lot of strikes. Perhaps with a new pitching coach, he could make some adjustments that can fix where he struggled last season and get back to how he pitched in 2024.
