The White Sox are reportedly signing right-handed starting pitcher Vince Velasquez.
The 29-year-old was limited to 17 starts for the Phillies and four starts with the Padres in 2021. Velasquez has a career 4.95 ERA, in 127 starts and 156 total appearances.
Velasquez hasn't been able to string together a solid season since 2016 and last year the Phillies finally saw enough and DFA'd him in September. The right-hander made 17 starts for the Phillies, but failed to pitch beyond the fourth inning nine times. He was put in the bullpen and also suffered a blister on his pitching hand that resulted in an injured-list stint before he was ultimately let go by Philadelphia. The Padres picked up Velasquez in mid-September, but he only threw a total of 12.2 innings. Overall in 2021, he recorded a 6.30 ERA in 94.1 innings. So, Velasquez joins the White Sox who had a great starting rotation in 2021, but questions regarding their depth have remained throughout the offseason. Here's how Chicago's rotation looked like prior to the Velasquez acquisition. Lucas Giolito Lance Lynn Dylan Cease Michael Kopech Dallas Keuchel Obviously the name White Sox fans do not want to see on the mound this season is Dallas Keuchel after his awful second half in 2021. So, the addition of Velasquez does give Tony La Russa another option for that fifth spot in the rotation. However, especially because of the shorter time period between spring training and Opening Day this season, there aren't any guarantees that all pitchers will be ready to go in April. That includes the hard-throwing righty Michael Kopech.
Not only is this a weird offseason for players, but Kopech is coming off a season in which he only threw 69.1 innings. He was always going to be on an innings-limit in 2022 and depending on how he looks in camp that could be delayed. So, the White Sox, like every team, should be getting as much depth as possible. Velasquez hasn't been good throughout his career, but right now they just need arms and the free agent market isn't left with any decent ones. Gotta hope some of these moves work out in the long run.
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