The Chicago White Sox have reportedly secured a two-year, $12 million contract with left-handed pitcher Anthony Kay. The deal will provide Kay with annual payments of $5 million over the next two seasons, alongside a $2 million buyout option for a potential $10 million mutual option in 2028. There is also an opportunity for Kay to earn an additional $1.5 million through performance incentives.
Kay, who was once a highly regarded first-round draft pick, has enjoyed a successful stint with the Yokohama DeNA BayStars in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball, where he demonstrated notable improvement over the last two seasons. His performance included a solid 2.53 ERA, a strikeout rate of 20.9%, and a ground-ball rate of 54.5% across 291.2 innings pitched in 48 starts.
General Manager Chris Getz’s strategy of signing once-promising pitchers from abroad has previously yielded positive results, as seen in last season’s acquisition of Erick Fedde. Fedde, who signed a two-year, $15 million deal after excelling in the Korea Baseball Organization, was later traded and brought back valuable prospects for the White Sox.
Kay’s transformation as a pitcher is evident through his revamped pitch selection since joining NPB. He has made notable adjustments, adding velocity to his cutter and incorporating a sinker that has helped him generate more weak contact, which he lacked during his earlier major league appearances. While his record in the MLB from 2019 to 2023 wasn’t impressive, marked by a 5.59 ERA and a 12% walk rate, the White Sox are betting on the advancements he made in Japan translating back to the major leagues.
As the White Sox continue to navigate their rebuilding phase, the financial commitment to Kay amounts to a manageable risk. Should he excel, he could become a valuable asset in the trade market. If not, the financial impact on the team remains limited. Presently, the team’s rotation includes a mix of unproven options, and Kay’s arrival adds depth as the organization seeks to cultivate its pitching staff.
With the current payroll estimated at $68 million, there remains significant flexibility for the White Sox to bring in additional veteran pitchers to enhance their rotation, especially considering the team’s reluctance to commit long-term to free agents beyond the 2026 season. As the landscape of the league shifts, Kay’s deal represents both a hopeful step forward for the player and a calculated move for the organization in its overall strategy.