Ryan Borucki Joins White Sox on Minor League Contract

The Chicago White Sox just picked up veteran lefty Ryan Borucki on a minor-league deal with an invite to Spring Training. For a rebuilding team trying to steady a young bullpen, Borucki brings experience, depth, and even a local connection—if he can pitch his way onto the roster, that is.

A Homecoming for a Veteran Lefty

For Borucki, this signing isn’t just another stop. He grew up in Mundelein, Illinois, just north of Chicago, and now he’s got a shot to pitch for the team plenty of local kids dream about.

Homecomings don’t mean instant success, but they can add a little extra motivation. Borucki walks into Sox camp with eight seasons of big league experience, which is more than most of the current relief crew can say.

Experience in an Otherwise Young Bullpen

The White Sox bullpen will probably lean on younger arms as the rebuild keeps rolling. Still, you need some veterans who know how to handle the grind of a 162-game season, especially in relief roles that demand quick adjustments.

Borucki’s presence provides:

Where Borucki Fits in the White Sox Plan

Even with all that experience, Borucki isn’t a lock for Opening Day. The Sox have younger lefties like Brandon Eisert and Tyler Gilbert, and they’re higher on the depth chart right now.

So, Borucki’s really more of a depth move. But depth matters—especially in a long season with injuries and plenty of ups and downs.

Competing for a Limited Role

If Borucki makes the roster, it’ll probably be as a situational lefty or maybe a multi-inning reliever. He keeps the ball on the ground, which could help in the right matchups, especially facing left-handed hitters.

Still, there’s not much room for error, and how he looks in Spring Training will probably decide his fate.

Performance Trends and Statistical Snapshot

Across 256 1/3 career MLB innings, Borucki has a 4.28 ERA, a 19.7% strikeout rate, and an 8.9% walk rate. Those numbers show he’s serviceable, but not overpowering.

He’s struggled more against right-handed hitters and has had an issue with giving up home runs. That’s held him back from being a late-inning go-to guy.

Ground Balls as a Saving Grace

One thing working in his favor: Borucki can keep the ball on the ground. From 2021 through 2025, he posted a 51.8% ground-ball rate over 135 1/3 innings—a handy skill, especially in hitter-friendly parks.

If the Sox use him the right way, that could help him stick around.

A Turbulent 2025 Season

2025 wasn’t kind to Borucki. He threw 35 innings between Pittsburgh and Toronto, finishing with a 4.63 ERA, a 22% strikeout rate, and an 11% walk rate that was a bit high.

A back injury knocked him out for about six weeks, which made it tough for him to find any rhythm.

Journeyman Realities

He bounced around on minor-league deals, got designated for assignment by the Blue Jays, and was outrighted after just four big league outings. It’s a reminder of how quickly roster spots can disappear for veteran relievers.

Low Risk, Potential Reward

For the White Sox, this move barely carries any risk. If Borucki doesn’t grab a roster spot, the team doesn’t really lose anything.

But if he does make it, they get a lefty who’s been around, knows the area, and has shown he can get outs in the majors.

 
Here is the source article for this story: White Sox Sign Ryan Borucki To Minor League Deal