Mundelein's Ryan Borucki, a Chicago White Sox fan since childhood, is 'firmly in the mix' for a roster spot

The well-traveled left-hander is in White Sox camp as a nonroster invitee, calling it "a dream come true to be able to put this uniform on."

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Ryan Borucki, a 31-year-old left-handed pitcher from Mundelein, Illinois, is in Chicago White Sox spring training camp as a nonroster invitee. Borucki, who grew up rooting for the White Sox, is "firmly in the mix" for a spot on the team's opening day roster according to manager Will Venable. Borucki has 8 years of major league experience with the Toronto Blue Jays, Seattle Mariners, and Pittsburgh Pirates, and is looking to make the most of this opportunity with his hometown team.

Why it matters

Borucki's journey to potentially making the White Sox roster is a feel-good story for Chicago baseball fans. As a lifelong White Sox supporter from the suburbs, Borucki getting a chance to play for the team he cheered for as a kid would be an inspiring homecoming. The White Sox are also looking to bolster their pitching staff, so Borucki could provide valuable veteran experience and left-handed depth.

The details

Borucki, who has a career 4.28 ERA in 187 MLB appearances (21 starts), is focused on making the most of his opportunity in White Sox camp. He is working to sharpen his splitter to get right-handed hitters out, an area he has struggled with in the past. Borucki had several options in free agency but chose the White Sox in part because his family still lives in Mundelein, allowing him to be close to home.

  • Borucki is in White Sox camp this spring as a nonroster invitee.

The players

Ryan Borucki

A 31-year-old left-handed pitcher from Mundelein, Illinois who is in Chicago White Sox spring training camp as a nonroster invitee.

Will Venable

The manager of the Chicago White Sox, who said Borucki is "firmly in the mix" for a spot on the team's opening day roster.

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What they’re saying

“Definitely a dream come true to be able to put this uniform on. As a kid, I used to always put it on, acting like I was on the White Sox in my backyard. I'm very excited about the opportunity.”

— Ryan Borucki (Chicago Tribune)

“We brought him in here to give him every chance to make this team. We know he's an experienced guy who has done it for a long time. He is a guy who helps us as far as his performance on the field. He's also somebody who has been around a long time and can help these young guys develop their routines and their attack plans, especially for a left-handed pitcher. Definitely excited to have him here.”

— Will Venable, Manager (Chicago Tribune)

What’s next

Borucki will look to continue impressing the White Sox coaching staff during spring training games as he aims to secure a spot on the team's opening day roster.

The takeaway

Borucki's journey to potentially making the White Sox roster is an inspiring story of a hometown player getting a chance to live out his childhood dream. His experience and ability to mentor younger pitchers make him a valuable addition to the team, and White Sox fans will be rooting for the Mundelein native to break camp with the big-league club.