White Sox bullpen aces continue to be unsung heroes of 2026 playoff push

As it gets late in the season, the White Sox are finding themselves in tough competition and competing in tighter margins. They're still first in their division with 19 to play, but they had a rough month in August where they allowed 140 runs and struggled to overcome some early exits from their starting pitchers. Their offense--usually the team's strong point-- has also struggled on occasion, by failing to perform with RISP or by going hitless in would-be close games. With the starting pitchers largely struggling, there has been more pressure on the White Sox bullpen. Earlier on, the 'pen was seen as something of a weak spot for the Sox, and they hoped to upgrade before the trade deadline. Unfortunately, their plans to improve their relief staff with new additions didn't go as planned. Their big addition was Huascar Brazoban, but he's been underperforming since the trade. But the relievers they already had are beating expectations--they're limiting damage and eating innings during some rough stretches. Their relievers have been good all year, with a 3.67 ERA that ranks 6th in MLB, despite throwing more innings than any other relief staff this year. Consequentially, the rotation has had the shortest outings--4.3 innings on average, compared to an MLB-average 5.3. But while the bullpen's had a strong overall season, they've really gotten a chance to shine the past couple weeks. Grant Taylor, Jordan Hicks, Sean Newcomb, and Bryan Hudson have become the team's core relievers, and I doubt the White Sox would've had anywhere near a .500 August without them. Hicks, Newcomb, Taylor, and Hudson have helped stabilize a pitching staff in flux Hicks entered their August 15th game during a 4-3 lead, after Anthony Kay was pulled in the sixth inning; he'd given up six hits, including two doubles. Hicks retired five straight batters, with three strikeouts. The offense didn't score again, but Hicks, Taylor, and Bryan Hudson held the opposition socreless for the rest of the game, holding the lead for a win. The following day, Sean Burke, typically the team's best starter, gave up four runs in 4.1 innings before getting pulled. While Hagen Smith successfully got five outs--and even Brazoban mostly limited the damage--it was Newcomb who really saved the game, lasting 2.1 innings without a run, and only allowing one baserunner (through a walk). He also pitched three scoreless innings on August 29th, when Erick Fedde was pulled following the 5th inning. Newcomb's 80 innings lead the team's relievers. He's become a true long man who can help preserve arms for other games, but he's not just there for mop up duty; he dominates enough to come out in close games. Grant Taylor had a 2.2-inning game on August 28th. The Sox acquired Luis Castillo before the deadline, hoping to stabilize their rotation, but he's turned into one of their most unreliable arms. He allowed four runs in four innings (on eight hits and a walk), and since the bullpen was left with over half a game, Taylor's longer outing took pressure off the other relievers. Taylor has a 2.16 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP, and he's accumulated 2.7 WAR in just 75.0 innings, per Baseball Reference. Grant Taylor, 100mph Paint. 🖌️🎨 pic.twitter.com/JpBBvV25ex — Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) August 19, 2026 Taylor is often used as the team's closer, but Bryan Hudson has finished thirteen games and earned seven saves as well. He has a 3.09 ERA, and he pitched a scoreless 9th after both Taylor's 2.2-inning August 28th game, and Newcomb's 3-inning game the day before. Since Hudson has been an effective closer, the Sox can bring Taylor out earlier in the game and use him for slightly longer outings. In August, the White Sox rotation put up a season-worst ERA at 6.21. They also pitched just 104.1 innings. But the relievers had a 3.44 ERA for the month, while pitching 146.2 innings. Seranthony Dominguez was meant to be the team's most reliable, veteran closer. But he only managed 38.1 innings and a 3.99 ERA before being traded. Hicks, Taylor, Newcomb and Hudson--four less big-name relievers--came with lower expectations, but they've put up a really impressive performance. While the Sox do need rotation help, their bullpen is more than solid. And there's no doubt the White Sox wouldn't be here without them. Add us as a preferred source on Google