The White Sox have signed right-handed pitcher James Karinchak to a minor-league deal. His agreement includes a non-roster invite to Spring Training, the team announced.
Karinchak, 29, has spent all five major-league seasons with the Cleveland Guardians, who drafted him in the 9th round of the 2017 MLB Draft. During his career to date, the reliever has posted a 3.10 ERA, 1.183 WHIP, and 13.7 K/9 over 165.2 innings thrown.
The former AL Central rival owned a 3.23 ERA over 39.0 innings in 2023, Karinchak’s most recent campaign, as he missed the bulk of the 2024 season due to a shoulder injury suffered in Spring Training. He was recently outrighted off Cleveland’s 40-man roster and granted free agency this past November.
Karinchak is still arbitration-controlled through 2026 and has one minor league option year remaining, making this an intriguing deal for the White Sox. The reliever has struggled with his command and health as of late, so this signing will be a test to see if he can improve in those two areas. If so, then the major league club could be adding a valuable piece to their bullpen during the 2025 season.
This is a developing story. More to come.
Follow us on social media @SoxOn35th for more White Sox news and updates!
Featured Photo: © David Richard-Imagn Images
