The Chicago White Sox have been one of the most active teams in baseball this winter, and their latest move proves they’re serious about ending a painful rebuild. Right-handed reliever Seranthony Domínguez and the White Sox have agreed on a two-year, $20 million contract with a mutual option. The deal, pending a physical, adds another veteran arm to a bullpen that’s young, powerful, and finally gaining real depth.
Domínguez joins a White Sox roster that has already made headlines with major signings, including Japanese superstar Munetaka Murakami and left-hander Anthony Kay, both of whom received two-year deals. Add in free agent lefty Sean Newcomb and the Luis Robert Jr. trade, which brought back promising infielder Luisangel Acuña, and Chicago is building what could be its best roster in years.
A Winter of Spending Unlike Any Recent Era in Chicago
The White Sox’s winter spending has been a dramatic shift from recent years. After a record 121-loss season in 2024, the organization didn’t respond with caution — they responded with action. By investing heavily in pitching, position players, and veteran leadership, Chicago is signaling that it wants to return to relevance quickly, not slowly.
Even without exact totals publicly confirmed, the pattern is unmistakable: the White Sox have spent more on free agency this year than in multiple recent offseasons combined, and their aggressive approach stands out in a league that often favors gradual rebuilding. Compared to the conservative spending seen in past years — when the team prioritized budget flexibility over immediate improvement — this winter’s wave of signings is a major change.
And for baseball as a whole, that matters.
Why Chicago’s Spending Is Good for Baseball
When teams like the White Sox spend money, it’s not just a win for one franchise — it’s a win for the sport. High-profile free agent moves create excitement, increase competition, and rebuild fan interest after a long stretch of losing. Chicago’s spending signals that big-market teams are willing to invest again, which boosts the entire league’s energy and viewership.
More importantly, it reminds fans that baseball can still produce blockbuster winters — and that winning is still the goal.
Domínguez Brings Elite Stuff — and a Chance to Stabilize the Back End
Domínguez is one of the most electrifying relievers available. Since debuting with Philadelphia in 2018, he’s built a reputation for late-inning dominance. His fastball sits at 98 mph, and each of his five pitches ranks above average. That kind of raw talent makes him a natural closer candidate.
The key for Domínguez has always been consistency. Strike-throwing has been his biggest weakness, but if he can improve in that area, the White Sox will have either a cost-effective closer or a high-value trade asset by July.
Last season, after moving from Baltimore to Toronto at the deadline, Domínguez posted arguably his best year: 62⅔ innings, 79 strikeouts, 36 walks, and just five home runs allowed. That performance made him the top reliever still available after a run on closers early in free agency — and it’s why he landed a multi-year deal with incentives that could push his guarantee to $22 million.
Chicago’s Bullpen Is Suddenly a Strength
With Domínguez likely taking the ninth inning, the White Sox bullpen now features a trio of hard-throwing right-handers, including Grant Taylor and Jordan Leasure. It’s a powerful mix of youth and veteran experience — and it’s the kind of depth that can push a team from rebuilding to contending.
After years of watching the White Sox struggle, the message is clear: Chicago is done waiting. The winter of 2026 may be remembered as the moment the White Sox finally started spending like a contender — and the league should be excited. Although they may not contend in 2026, this is good for baseball.