The Chicago White Sox turned to the trade market earlier this month to strengthen their roster and address several needs as they pursue a potential postseason berth.
One of their biggest priorities was adding a dependable right-handed reliever to work alongside Grant Taylor and Jordan Hicks, leading the organization to acquire Huascar Brazoban from the New York Mets.
However, just a few weeks into his Chicago tenure, Brazoban’s early struggles have raised questions about whether the move will ultimately pay off.
Brazoban had been enjoying the finest season of his career before the trade. In 46 appearances with New York, the veteran posted a 2.56 ERA and 1.01 WHIP while holding opposing hitters to a .166 batting average.
His sinker and changeup combination allowed him to consistently generate ground balls and weak contact, making him an attractive option for a White Sox bullpen that badly needed another high-leverage arm.
Since joining Chicago, though, Brazoban has looked like a completely different pitcher. Through eight appearances, he has surrendered five earned runs over 7.1 innings, resulting in a 6.14 ERA, while opponents are batting .308 against him.
He has also issued as many walks as strikeouts during that stretch. Although the sample size is extremely small, the early results are far removed from the dominant form he displayed with the Mets and have already created some concern.
It is still far too early to label the trade a failure, especially considering Brazoban remains under White Sox control for three more seasons and Chicago did not surrender a significant amount of prospect capital to acquire him.
The main prospect involved, right-hander Gabe Davis, has made two starts for the Mets’ Double-A affiliate and allowed three earned runs across 6.1 innings.
His development could eventually become an important factor in determining how the trade is judged.
With the White Sox bullpen carrying one of the heaviest workloads in baseball this season and uncertainty continuing to surround the starting rotation, Brazoban’s performance could become increasingly important.
Chicago is likely counting on him to be part of the bullpen beyond 2026, making a return to his previous form crucial as the team looks ahead to next season.
For now, the White Sox can only hope his rough beginning is simply a temporary slump rather than a sign of a larger decline.
