The Chicago White Sox have claimed former Colorado Rockies pitcher Ryan Rolison off waivers from the Atlanta Braves, according to the White Sox’s social media page.
This was the Braves’ corresponding move for their signing of closer Robert Suarez. The White Sox did not have to make a corresponding 40-man roster move as the roster is currently at 38 players.
Rolison was designated for assignment by Atlanta this week after being designated for assignment by the Rockies last month.
What Does Rolison Bring To The Table?
At just 28 years old, Rolison was once a notable prospect in the Rockies’ system. As high as No. 2 in the Rockies’ pipeline, Rolison was thought to have a ton of upside.
He was selected 22nd overall in the 2018 MLB Draft out of the University of Mississippi. But his journey to the majors was filled with injuries and inconsistency.
The left-hander missed time in the minors due to the pandemic in 2020, but also missed valuable playing time due to shoulder injuries from 2021-2023, pitching in just 20 total games during that period, missing the entire 2022 season.
After a long and grueling journey to achieve his dreams, Rolison was called up to the majors in 2025, but struggled mightily.
In 31 games with Colorado (42.1 innings), Rolison had a 7.02 ERA with a 13% strikeout percentage, 10.4% walk percentage and 11 home runs given up.
He closed out the year with Colorado’s AAA affiliate, pitching to intriguing numbers in Albuquerque.
In a hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League, Rolison had a 3.34 ERA in 29.2 innings, striking out 32 batters while walking just nine.
Rolison averages 92.9 mph on his four-seam fastball per Baseball Savant, a poor mark for a reliever. But he follows that up with a slow curveball that has the ability to generate swings and misses.
After being designated for assignment by two teams in the last month, Rolison still brings intrigue to a young White Sox team.
Rolison’s Fit With Chicago
After a poor 2025 season in the majors, this is a prove-it year for Rolison. On a young team that featured a poor bullpen the last couple of seasons, Rolison has the opportunity to do just that.
As a left-handed pitcher, Rolison faces somewhat of an uphill climb to make the 2026 opening day roster and revive his career.
With left-handed relievers Chris Murphy, Brandon Eisert, Tyler Gilbert and Bryan Hudson also currently on Chicago’s 40-man roster, plus starters Anthony Kay and Ky Bush, per MLB.com, Rolison needs to have a strong spring training to make the 26-man roster.
He still could stick on the 40-man roster due to having one last option year remaining, and play out a portion of the season in AAA-Charlotte.
However, it’s still a good flier pickup for a team that needs bullpen arms, and for a player that is controllable through the 2029 season.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post White Sox Claim Interesting Pitcher Off Waivers appeared first on Heavy Sports.