White Sox Bolster Pitching Staff with Anthony Kay Signing

The Chicago White Sox are actively reshaping their roster as they prepare for the upcoming season, and their latest move adds a proven left-handed arm to the mix. According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the team has reached a deal with Anthony Kay on a two-year, $12 million contract.

Kay, 28, spent the last two seasons in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball with the Yokohama DeNA Baystars, where he excelled. Over 24 games, he recorded a 1.74 ERA and struck out 130 batters across 155 innings, showcasing a level of dominance that caught the attention of MLB teams.

Before his stint overseas, Kay had five seasons in the major leagues, pitching for the Toronto Blue Jays, Chicago Cubs, and New York Mets. In 44 games with seven starts, he posted a 5.59 ERA with 88 strikeouts over 85.1 innings. His MLB journey began when he was traded from the Mets to the Blue Jays as part of the Marcus Stroman deal.

With the White Sox coming off a 60-102 season, adding Kay represents a step toward rebuilding a rotation that struggled throughout the year. The team hopes his experience and recent success abroad will provide stability and depth.

1. Kay’s Career and Recent Performance

Anthony Kay’s journey through professional baseball has been varied but consistently promising. After being drafted by the New York Mets in 2015, he developed a reputation as a reliable left-handed pitcher in the minors before reaching the majors. His five-year MLB tenure included stops with the Mets, Cubs, and Blue Jays. While his numbers in the majors were mixed, he showed flashes of potential with a strikeout ability that hinted at untapped upside. Kay’s 5.59 ERA across 85.1 innings underscored the challenges he faced at the top level. Seeking a fresh start, Kay took his talents to Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball, where he immediately thrived. His 1.74 ERA and 130 strikeouts over 155 innings with Yokohama DeNA highlighted his growth and ability to adapt to a new competitive environment. The White Sox likely see Kay’s overseas success as a springboard for his return to MLB, hoping he can translate his refined approach and confidence back into the American league.

2. White Sox Offseason Strategy

Chicago’s roster remains a work in progress after a difficult 2025 campaign. Finishing with just 60 wins, the team is actively exploring ways to strengthen both its pitching staff and overall depth. Signing Kay represents a calculated risk that could pay dividends if he can replicate his Japanese league performance in MLB. The two-year contract offers flexibility while allowing the team to evaluate his long-term fit. The White Sox are not solely focused on free-agent acquisitions. Trade rumors have swirled around several players, including outfielder Luis Robert Jr., signaling the organization’s willingness to consider multiple paths to improvement. Management appears committed to balancing roster continuity with necessary upgrades. Kay’s addition is one of the first moves in what is likely to be a busy offseason, with more acquisitions or trades expected before spring training.

3. Player Perspectives and Team Outlook

Amid speculation about potential trades, White Sox players like Luis Robert Jr. have maintained focus on performance rather than distractions. Speaking to reporters, Robert acknowledged the rumors but emphasized professionalism and adaptability. “Right now, it’s not a distraction,” Robert said. “I know this is a business, but I’m not overly concerned about it. Hopefully, I can stay with this team for a long time, and if that is not the case, then I’ll do my best with another team.” The addition of Kay also sends a message to the locker room: the organization is serious about improvement and is committed to surrounding its core players with talent capable of competing at a higher level. Looking ahead, the White Sox will continue to evaluate their options, blending free-agent signings, trades, and internal development as they aim to rebound from a challenging season and contend in 2026.