In a somewhat intriguing decision, the White Sox opted to send down veteran reliever Steven Wilson to Charlotte while promoting rookie pitcher Jordan Leasure.
Both pitchers have shown flashes of effectiveness this season, amidst the struggles of the White Sox bullpen. Wilson’s 3.46 ERA might suggest solidity, but his 5.36 FIP and 17 walks in 26 innings indicate underlying challenges.
Leasure’s season has been marked by fluctuating performances. He started 2024 impressively as a rookie, allowing only seven earned runs over 23 2⁄3 innings in April and May (2.66 ERA). However, he encountered difficulties in June, surrendering six earned runs across five innings/games and struggling with control, evidenced by a 2.000 WHIP and four walks.
During his stint in Charlotte, Leasure had just one rough outing, giving up three earned runs in six games, making a strong case for his return to Chicago.
Leasure currently ranks sixth in pitcher WAR (0.5) among White Sox pitchers and second among relievers. Wilson, with a WAR of 0.1, is tied for ninth among pitchers overall and tied for fourth among relievers.
Leasure, along with his Charlotte and Chicago teammate Nick Nastrini, was acquired in the Lance Lynn/Joe Kelly trade last July. Wilson, on the other hand, came over as the lone veteran in the Dylan Cease trade with the Padres before the 2024 season.
