White Sox still figuring out final pieces of Opening Day roster

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Anyone looking for finality on the 26-man Opening Day roster for the 2024 White Sox might have to wait until Wednesday or the morning of Game 1 on Thursday in Chicago.

“Teams are still trying to fill needs,” said White Sox general manager Chris Getz, prior to his team’s 7-3 loss to the Rockies Sunday at Salt River Fields. “We continue to have conversations with other clubs, too.

“Everyone is trying to put their best foot forward to start the season. Our door is always open to look at ways to improve, but we are getting much much closer.”

Since shortly after taking over as general manager, Getz has made it clear how no untouchables exist on this roster. It seems unlikely a major deal could transpire before Garrett Crochet throws his first pitch at Guaranteed Rate Field, but Getz is in listening mode.

On that same front, Getz and his front office staff certainly aren’t averse to adding a player who fits with the White Sox -- even just four days before the start of the ‘24 campaign. But let’s focus on the players actually here with the White Sox.

Rookie reliever Jordan Leasure looks to be a near certainty to break camp with the club, as his two runs allowed against the Rockies were the first he gave up in 10 appearances covering 9 1/3 innings. Leasure struck out 11 and walked four this spring.

Nick Nastrini, who was with Leasure as part of the return from the Dodgers in the Lance Lynn/Joe Kelly deal last Trade Deadline, probably won’t open with the White Sox. But he’s a safe bet to get the call on April 3 at home against the Braves when the South Siders first need a fifth starter.

“Those guys have had really impressive camps,” Getz said. “We have a little bit of time here before Opening Day. We’ll continue to have those conversations internally and we’ll talk to our players soon. But both of those guys have had really nice camps.”

Manager Pedro Grifol doesn’t seem inclined to name a closer at the season’s outset. Catcher Korey Lee also could be rejoining the White Sox if Max Stassi, who is working through general soreness, cannot be ready for Opening Day.

“It’s a touch and go,” said Grifol of Stassi making the Opening Day roster. “He’s a little bit banged up and we’ve given him a few days off. He’s getting some work done in the weight room and the training room, but he seems to be OK.”

Fedde's final tune-up
Erick Fedde’s fourth and final Spring Training start was a little more painful than he would have liked after Ryan McMahon hit a line drive that struck the right-hander in the right quad. Fedde made the play to retire McMahon at first, and looked to be in a little bit of pain, but threw one warm-up pitch and stayed in the game.

“Lot of meat though,” said Fedde after showing the bruise. “I’ve been hit a few times before. As long as you can stay off the joints, it will be OK. We’ll get through it. He hit it well. Maybe next time I’ll try not to let him hit it so hard.”

Fedde was satisfied with the work he put in over four Cactus League starts and one Minor League mound trip, which resulted in five innings of no-hit work. He’s slated for the White Sox third game against the Tigers this Sunday.

“Honestly, I’ve been feeling more and more comfortable with the stuff we’ve been working on,” said Fedde, who allowed one run in five innings and struck out four against Colorado on Sunday. “I feel like a lot of the stuff with me has been working on sequencing, how we’re really attacking lefties and righties.

“I feel more and more confident with it and comfortable. I’m very happy with the outing today.”