3 Chicago White Sox Who Won't Return in 2027

It was an unexpected Cinderella story for the Chicago White Sox this season. After three straight years of 100+ losses, the Pale Hose shocked the baseball world by not only making the playoffs, but also winning a round, securing a Wild Card Series victory over the Houston Astros.

But that all came to an end in the second round, as they squandered a 2-0 ALDS series lead to lose in five games to the Cleveland Guardians. 

While they made huge strides in 2026, there will be changes for next season as the White Sox look to take the next step. Let's have a look at 3 South Siders who won't return to the club for 2027.

Sean Newcomb, Left-handed starter/reliever

After a standout year as a reliever and opener (3.09 ERA over 90.1 innings), the 34-year-old southpaw hits free agency and is projected to command a multi-year payday or a chance to compete for a starting rotation spot elsewhere. 

Erick Fedde, Right-handed starter/reliever

Playing on a $1.5M contract, and finishing the year with a solid 3.83 ERA, Fedde is also a free agent who will turn 34 next season. It feels like the White Sox will be going in another direction here as well, targeting younger or higher-ceiling frontline rotation arms.

Jake Rogers, Catcher

Acquired mid-season as a temporary fix behind the plate and finishing with a .103 average across 18 games, the White Sox will look toward other internal options or alternative depth behind the plate. Rogers will try to find another job in free agency. 

Honorable mentions: 

Tommy Pham, OF

Randal Grichuk, OF

Pham, of course, is used to the journeyman game by now, and he will be looking for another opportunity. 

Grichuk had an out-of-nowhere blockbuster year in half a season for the White Sox, with 15 homers and a career-high .299 average and .926 OPS. Let's face it, though: He's 35 and highly unlikely to repeat that performance. Unless he's willing to come back for a very inexpensive salary, he'll probably be moving on.