The White Sox continued their roster shuffle this afternoon, adding recently acquired right-handed pitcher Trevor Richards to the active 26-man roster. To make space for him, the team optioned fellow right-hander Jordan Leasure to Triple-A in a notable bullpen shakeup.
2026 Struggles
After an unimpressive start to last season, Leasure found his groove down the stretch. Across 25 appearances in August and September, he pitched to an impressive 2.84 ERA in 25.1 innings, striking out 35 over that span. Even with the White Sox adding proven relievers like Sean Newcomb and Seranthony Domínguez via free agency this past offseason, the hope was that Leasure would build on his positive momentum and carry it into this season.
Through 16 appearances this season, it quickly became clear that he could not be trusted in high-leverage situations. Prior to the demotion, he recorded an ugly 6.06 ERA and 6.51 FIP with the big league club, blowing three saves in the process. His propensity for allowing home runs has been a major factor in his struggles. He has already given up five long balls in only 16.1 innings pitched, with his HR/9 rate ballooning from last year. After starting the season in a high-leverage role, he moved into lower-leverage spots in recent weeks. Even a pair of scoreless outings was not enough to secure his roster spot. He will now head to Triple-A in an effort to get back on track.
Richards’ Intrigue
Richards, 32, has parts of nine MLB seasons to his name and the White Sox will be the ninth different team he has pitched for in the majors. A swingman-type pitcher, he has experience as both a starter and a reliever. Given the makeup of the White Sox pitching staff, he will likely be in the bullpen as a multi-inning reliever. He struck out 26 batters in 14 innings with the Phillies Triple-A affiliate and allowed just one run in 4.1 innings with their big league club prior to the trade. The White Sox front office clearly saw enough upside to give him an immediate roster spot, and he could earn meaningful innings if he performs well.
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More Competitive Mindset
Unlike the past few seasons when the front office gave very long leashes to underperforming players at the MLB level, that patience appears to be wearing thin. Opening Day starter Shane Smith was sent down after just three starts to get back on track and now Leasure, who was projected to be a big part of the bullpen, has suffered the same fate. Luisangel Acuña’s playing time has decreased significantly of late and it also wouldn’t be surprising to see Edgar Quero sent down to reset if his struggles continue. With the team firmly entrenched in both the division and Wild Card races, they can no longer afford to give extended runway to players that aren’t pulling their weight.
Positive Trend For White Sox
The White Sox sending someone like Jordan Leasure to the minors is a positive sign. Such moves reflect a team that is more focused on competing and less willing to tolerate prolonged struggles. It’s a refreshing change from the last several years when winning wasn’t a priority and the roster was littered with poor performers. Gone are the days of a deep rebuild. Everyone on the roster has to perform or else be at risk of losing their spot. Osvaldo Bido, Quero, and Acuña are the next group of players likely on the hot seat.
