Erick Fedde displays 'veteran presence' in White Sox spring debut

The right-hander is competing for a spot in the team's rotation after signing a one-year deal.

Mar. 2, 2026 at 9:15pm

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Erick Fedde, a veteran pitcher with eight seasons of MLB experience, made an impressive spring debut for the Chicago White Sox, striking out two and walking one in two hitless innings. Fedde is competing for a spot in the team's rotation after signing a one-year deal in February. White Sox manager Will Venable praised Fedde's 'veteran presence' and ability to 'attack the zone with confidence', saying he has been a valuable resource for the team's younger pitchers.

Why it matters

The White Sox are looking to build a strong starting rotation after a disappointing 2025 season, and Fedde's experience and leadership could be a valuable asset as the team evaluates its options. Fedde's performance in spring training will be closely watched as he competes with several other pitchers for a spot in the starting rotation.

The details

In his first outing of the spring, Fedde displayed strong command, striking out two batters and walking one in two hitless innings. He said his focus was on being more effective at the top of the zone and implementing his changeup, which he felt he did well. Fedde is being stretched out this spring, similar to several other pitchers, as the team evaluates its rotation options.

  • Fedde made his spring debut on Friday, March 1, 2026.

The players

Erick Fedde

A 33-year-old right-handed pitcher with eight seasons of MLB experience, who signed a one-year deal with the Chicago White Sox in February 2026 and is competing for a spot in the team's starting rotation.

Will Venable

The manager of the Chicago White Sox, who praised Fedde's 'veteran presence' and ability to 'attack the zone with confidence'.

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What they’re saying

“To have Erick Fedde has been huge for everybody. He attacks the zone with confidence and on the back fields, (he is) listening and talking to guys. He's one of those veteran presences that's helping everyone out.”

— Will Venable, Manager, Chicago White Sox

“My mentality this whole time is that spot's not mine. I have to earn it. Until I step foot in that clubhouse as a starter, that's when I'll be ready for that.”

— Erick Fedde

What’s next

The White Sox will continue to evaluate Fedde and the other pitchers competing for rotation spots throughout spring training, with the team's final roster decisions expected to be made in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

Fedde's veteran presence and strong spring debut could give him an edge in the White Sox's crowded competition for starting rotation spots, as the team looks to build a more reliable pitching staff after a disappointing 2025 season.