Grant Taylor's 100 mph Fastball Fuels White Sox Hopes

Hard-throwing right-hander aims to build on solid rookie season in Chicago's bullpen

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Grant Taylor, a 23-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Chicago White Sox, impressed in his rookie season with his blazing 100+ mph fastball. The team is optimistic about his potential to be a key late-inning arm, leveraging his high velocity and growing experience. Taylor is focused on refining his secondary pitches to complement his overpowering heater as he looks to cement his place on the major league roster.

Why it matters

The White Sox are counting on Taylor to be a valuable high-leverage arm in their bullpen, adding to their depth of hard-throwing relievers. His development is crucial as the team aims to strengthen its pitching staff and compete at a higher level in 2026.

The details

In his first major league start on June 20, 2025, Taylor pitched a perfect inning as an opener, setting the tone for his early season contributions. He reached 102.2 mph on his fastball in a game against the Toronto Blue Jays, showcasing his elite velocity. Last season, Taylor recorded a 2-4 record with a 4.91 ERA, amassing 54 strikeouts and 15 walks over 36 2/3 innings. The White Sox plan to gradually increase his workload at the major league level, using him in multiple-inning appearances to build up his endurance.

  • On June 20, 2025, Taylor made his first major league start, pitching a perfect inning as an opener.
  • On June 22, 2025, Taylor reached 102.2 mph on his fastball in a game against the Toronto Blue Jays.

The players

Grant Taylor

A 23-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Chicago White Sox who impressed in his rookie season with his blazing 100+ mph fastball.

Will Venable

The manager of the Chicago White Sox, who praised Taylor's adaptability and mental toughness during spring training.

Chris Getz

The general manager of the Chicago White Sox, who underlined the team's plan to gradually increase Taylor's workload at the major league level.

Seranthony Domínguez

A hard-throwing reliever acquired by the White Sox, who will join Taylor in strengthening the team's bullpen.

Jordan Hicks

Another hard-throwing reliever acquired by the White Sox, who will join Taylor and Domínguez in strengthening the team's bullpen.

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What they’re saying

“All those different experiences make you a better player. Closing games, in those leverage situations, you're kind of put at the peak of nerves and excitement so being able to do that, manage that and learn with that, it helps you with whatever role you end up in the long term.”

— Grant Taylor (Chicago Tribune)

“Grant was great and I think the thing that stood out was that we put him right in the fire and we put him — not only right in the fire — but in a lot of different situations that were really challenging. We were hungry for a leverage arm, to be honest. And to have that type of an arm back there, it was really enticing to put him in there as much as you could.”

— Will Venable, Manager, Chicago White Sox (N/A)

“We just want to continue to build his workload at the major-league level. He's just getting his major-league career started. So we're very open-minded on where his career goes. But as it stands going into '26, we view him as a bullpen arm. And Will and the pitching staff, they'll find ways to use Grant Taylor.”

— Chris Getz, General Manager, Chicago White Sox (N/A)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.