The White Sox plan to advertise for right-handers David SandlinElijah Evans of Just Baseball and Future Sox reports. The 25-year-old is already 40 in Chicago, but the team will need to make room for Sandlin on the roster. Confirming the move, James Fegan of Sox Machine noted that Sandlin is likely to start for the White Sox, although it is unclear how he will fit into the rotation. He might just be coming in to make the first pitch, considering Chicago is in the midst of a 13-game stretch without a day off.
Sandlin, 25, began his professional career with the Royals in 2022, and Kansas City traded him to Boston in 2024. The Red Sox then managed the White Sox righty this past winter – and the . Jordan Hickstwo players to be named later, and money – if they exchange Gage Ziehl. Sandlin was the prize of a deal for the White Sox, who were willing to take most of Hicks’ remaining salary to acquire him. In fact, during trading, the general manager Chris Getz he even described Sandlin as an “important” part of the recovery Luis Robert Jr.as the GM was able to use some of the money it saved from trading Robert (and his $20MM salary) to pay Hicks, therefore, to secure Sandlin. Getz went on to say that Sandlin will compete for a spot on Chicago’s Opening Day roster, praising his “center rotation” arsenal and more. “He has a chance to make a big impact in our first rotation this year,” Getz explained (per MLB.com’s Scott Merkin).
Sandlin didn’t end up in major league spring training. Back and front pain (for Fegan) forced him to start the season on the minor league injured list instead. However, from his rehab start at High-A Winston-Salem to his recent outing at Triple-A Charlotte, he has been electric. Leading the way with a fastball with four ends flirting with triple digits, he gave up just 12 hits in 16 1/3 innings, striking out 26. Although his walk rate is high, he has yet to allow free passes that lead to significant damage; Sandlin didn’t allow an earned run until his last start.
Most prospect evaluators largely agree with Getz’s assessment of Sandlin. He has 3 or 4 starter upside, but he needs to improve his control and sharpen his entire arsenal (except that high-velocity heater) if he’s going to get there. While his results this season have been promising, his Triple-A numbers from 2025 show why there is cause for concern. In his first 23 2/3 innings at the major league level, he walked 13 batters, struck out two, and gave up 35 hits en route to a 7.61 ERA and 5.27 FIP.
Davis Martin has been a revelation for the White Sox this season. Anthony Kay again Sean Burke they were strong, despite their ups and downs. Noah Schultz again Erick Fedde they struggled badly. Still, it’s hard to imagine Sandlin taking any of their spots in the rotation. Schultz could be optioned, and Fedde could be DFA’d. However, Sandlin is not yet mature enough to take on a full starter’s responsibilities, and has never made more than 18 starts or thrown more than 106 innings in a professional season. So, it seems like he’s joining the team to give the rest of the rotation an extra day off. Of course, that doesn’t mean he can’t stay in Chicago if he plays well. This may be the start for now, but the White Sox aren’t going to send down anyone who can give them quality innings. They are currently in a playoff spot, despite a mediocre 4.47 ERA and 4.19 SIERA. If Sandlin succeeds, he shouldn’t have a problem staying.
