Chris Murphy’s strong spring performance earned him a spot in the White Sox bullpen, offering Chicago a valuable multi-inning left-handed option with long-term upside.
Roster decisions are being finalized over the coming days, with less than a week remaining in spring training before the Chicago White Sox head to Milwaukee for Opening Day.
Following the latest roster moves announced by the club on Monday, the White Sox have 42 players remaining in big league camp: 22 pitchers, four catchers, eight infielders, and eight outfielders. That number will need to be trimmed down to 26 within the next week, and with each passing day, we’re learning more about how Chicago plans to shape its 2026 roster.
I published my final Opening Day roster prediction earlier this week, and so far, it’s holding up. We know Shane Smith will get the nod on Opening Day. We know Seranthony Domínguez will serve as the closer. We know Sean Newcomb will be part of the bullpen. And now, we can add left-hander Chris Murphy to that group. He has made the big league roster.
Elijah Evans of Just Baseball was first to report the news on Monday. Murphy has impressed this spring, tossing 10 innings with 11 strikeouts, a 2.70 ERA, and a 1.20 WHIP. That performance has earned him a spot on the team after being acquired by the White Sox in a November trade.
Murphy appeared in 23 games for the Boston Red Sox last season, posting a 3.12 ERA across 34.2 innings with a 3-0 record. He entered camp looking to earn a role in a crowded White Sox bullpen—a challenge made even tougher by the organization’s depth of left-handed relievers and the fact that he still has a minor league option remaining, unlike pitchers such as Tyler Gilbert.
During Cactus League play, Murphy showcased a six-pitch mix, with several offerings grading out as average or better. He relied heavily on his slider and four-seam fastball to generate outs. At 27 years old, he profiles as an intriguing multi-inning option—something the White Sox are in need of, especially with Mike Vasil needing Tommy John surgery and missing the entire 2026 season.
At this point, it’s fair to say the bullpen picture is coming into focus. My offseason projection of three left-handers making the team appears to be on track, and manager Will Venable seems likely to carry that balance. That leaves what is likely one final spot, with Brandon Eisert and Tyler Gilbert battling it out, while Murphy and Newcomb occupy two of those roles.
Whether Murphy ultimately proves to be the better option over Eisert or Gilbert remains to be seen. But there’s real upside here. The White Sox are turning the page and adding a fresh arm to the bullpen—one with multiple years of team control as well.
If Murphy can stay healthy and build on what he showed in 2025 and this spring, Chicago could have a legitimate asset on its hands in 2026.