Chicago’s decision to move Grant Taylor into a multi-inning role all but guarantees they’ll hunt for a proven closer in free agency.
The Chicago White Sox aren’t wasting any time revealing their plans for right-handed relief pitcher Grant Taylor in 2026.
According to GM Chris Getz — speaking with reporters at the GM Meetings in Las Vegas this week — the White Sox plan to use Taylor as a multi-inning relief weapon next season, with no intention of moving him back to the starting rotation.
While the headline takeaway is what this means for Taylor’s development, it also says something just as important about Chicago’s plans for free agency.
For most of the year, Taylor felt like the internal favorite to be the White Sox closer in 2026. Jordan Leasure led the team in saves a season ago, but Taylor’s pitch mix, swing-and-miss profile, and upside always hinted at a higher ceiling. Director of pitching Brian Bannister has practically said as much over the last 12 months. He's got elite closer written all over him.
Taylor's six saves in 2025 could’ve easily been the foundation — a preview of what it's like to face big league hitters before taking on full-time closing duties next season.
And while Taylor isn’t a fully proven bullpen arm yet, I don’t think many Sox fans would’ve complained about that plan. We’ve all watched this organization overspend on relievers before. If you can develop a young, dominant closer on a rookie contract? That’s gold for the rebuild.
So what do we make of the White Sox choosing not to use Taylor in that role in 2026? It’s simple: They’re going to sign a closer. Without question. The writing is on the wall.
The need is too obvious, and the market is too deep. If you need a closer, this is the offseason to get one.
Edwin Díaz, Robert Suárez, Raisel Iglesias, Kenley Jansen, Ryan Helsley, Devin Williams, Emilio Pagán, Jordan Romano, Kirby Yates, and Kyle Finnegan are all free agents — every one of them with legitimate closing experience and successful track records.
Nobody should expect the White Sox to go big-game hunting with Díaz or Suárez. But a Kenley Jansen or Kyle Finnegan on a short one- or two-year deal? That’s firmly in their wheelhouse.
If Chicago had any intention of rolling with an unproven closer, they’d hand the job to Taylor. Or at least let him compete for it in Spring Training with Leasure. The fact the organization already knows he’s better suited as a multi-inning weapon tells you everything you need to know.
And honestly? I’m on board. The more proven talent on the South Side, the better.