Many teams this offseason need help in the bullpen and a candidate that many wouldn’t consider is Chicago White Sox reliever Michael Soroka. Despite his 0-10 record this season, the Canadian-born reliever has a lot to offer. He will also be a great addition as he would be projected to be signed for around a one-year $4 million deal. He would be a low-risk signing with an upside potential to turn things around in a new environment. While he did not play in 2021 and 2022 due to injuries, he is a player that has showcased resiliency.
Michael Soroka’s Free Agent Value
This season for the White Sox is one that they don’t want to remember, but the White Sox have solid trade pieces such as Luis Robert Jr. and Garrett Crochet. While Soroka may not weigh in as high as Robert Jr. and Crochet he is still a promising bullpen piece that teams should consider. In July 2020, Soroka made history for the Braves as the youngest starter on opening day (22 years old). But Soroka has showcased more strength in the bullpen role.
Can I interest anyone in Mike Soroka for a bullpen piece? Only 27 and had two pitches that returned a BAA below .200 (SL & 4S).
Slider had a whiff rate of 41.7% and his fastball averaged 94.5 MPH in Sept (fastest average any month of his career) pic.twitter.com/eDZow1LnGu
— Avery Chenier (@AveryChenier) October 29, 2024
Bullpen Assistance Turns To White Sox Reliever
Why Soroka Could Fulfill Bullpen Needs
Soroka is only 27 years old and is a former 2019 All-Star when he played for the Atlanta Braves. When Soroka played for the Braves, he was known for having an impressive fastball. It would just sink and drop so fast heightening the command of his pitches. In addition, showcasing the ability to get opponents to chase, swing and miss. But even this season specifically in September, Soroka demonstrated a solid fastball that reached around 95 mph.
September has been kind to Soroka, the most impressive fastball speed he has achieved in his career. His other go-t0 pitch has been the slider, showcasing a solid whiff rate of 41.7%. Both the slider and fastball have been pitches that batters have struggled with. Overall, they haven’t been able to generate as much success batting under .200. Back in late August of 2019, his slider pitch was proven so effective. He only allowed 13 whites, a .161 slugging average, and no home runs. If Soroka can get back to his All-Star status, he would be an underrated bullpen piece that teams would cherish. Some teams requiring help in the bullpen are the Toronto Blue Jays, Chicago Cubs, Washington Nationals, Seattle Mariners, and Detroit Tigers. This season we witnessed how the Blue Jays bullpen tumbled and backfired. All in all, this emphasizes why it’s so crucial to have a solid bullpen to rely on.
Main Photo Credits: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
