Grant Taylor Can Blossom Into an Elite Reliever in 2026

The most talented arm in the Chicago White Sox organization might just be a multi-inning bullpen arm for the 2026 season. While most teams’ top arm is their ace or closer, Grant Taylor could be that for Chicago, despite being expected to serve as a versatile bullpen option.

After being notoriously slated as the top starter at LSU ahead of reigning NL Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes before going down with an injury, Taylor was selected in the second round by Chicago at slot value. Even as he recovered from Tommy John Surgery, this buzz began for an arm with stuff to match just about anyone.

Taylor got a quick taste of Minor League Baseball at the end of 2024, where he absolutely cruised in Single-A before opening the 2025 season at Double-A Birmingham. He opened the 2025 season as a starter, but shifted into the bullpen in order to swiftly expedite his arrival in Chicago.

Nobody necessarily expected Taylor to reach the MLB level less than a year after full recovery from Tommy John, but he did just that.

The surface-level numbers may not indicate a great first big league campaign, as Taylor posted a 4.91 ERA with a nearly 10% walk rate in his first 36.2 innings with the White Sox. However, his strikeout rate of 34.4% and 2.91 FIP indicate a reliever capable of matching the best closers in baseball.

Burned by an unlucky share of hard-hit balls as a rookie, Taylor displayed plenty of the characteristics of an elite arm. He produced a whiff rate over 30% while flashing the makings of at least three plus pitches in his initial taste of the big leagues.

His pure stuff is not just impressive, but potentially outlier caliber. That was on display right out of the gate in his first spring training appearance as he sat near 100mph with his fastball while throwing a few of his excellent breaking balls.

Debuting a new two-seam fastball in his outing, Taylor’s two highest velocity pitches of the day were that very pitch. The pair came in at 100.5 and 100.3 with nine inches of arm side movement compared to his four-seam that sits around zero inches of horizontal.

“It was just something I started messing around with in the offseason. So far, I’ve had some success with it. I’m gonna keep throwing it and experimenting where I can throw it,” said Taylor.

Taylor’s traditional four-seamer sits around 18 inches of induced vertical break, while the two-seam was around 14 inches. An already elite heater could be even better this season with an alternate version to mix in throughout at-bats.

The fastball is accompanied by a true downer curveball, gyro slider, and a cutter, with the curveball being his most frequently utilized secondary. It gets over 14 inches of drop, while remaining fairly neutral in terms of its horizontal movement.

“I learned a lot last year about when I can use different pitches. Honing in those usages to find success for the rest of my career,” said Taylor.

He put emphasis on developing his slider as well, working to get it into the zone more this year.

“I had success with it last year when I did throw it in the zone, but it wasn’t something I was super confident with to throw for a strike,” said Taylor. “It’s a lot closer to where I want it to be now.”

His combination of velocity and north-south movement coming from a ridiculous 7.4 feet of extension (98th percentile in MLB) down the mound makes Taylor an uncomfortable at-bat for any batter. That should only increase as the 23-year-old works to find the command at a more frequent clip.

Speculation surrounding Taylor’s long-term future remains prevalent among White Sox fans and the organization alike, as it’s hard not to dream about what Taylor could be as a starter.

As tantalizing as it is to imagine that scenario, it’s not the reality in the present time. However, the idea of deploying Taylor in a variety of scenarios, including multi-inning outings, should keep that door open for 2027 or further down the line.

“It’s definitely something I aspire to. Growing up, that’s always what I was…It’s something that I don’t wanna close the door on it and want to strive for, but in 2026 my sole focus is being in the bullpen and doing whatever it takes to help the team win,” said Taylor.

Taylor reaching 80-100 innings out of the bullpen this season would enable the team to consider having him enter camp next year as a potential starter. Now, that may not happen or may not even be considered if several top prospects emerge in the rotation later this season. But it’s possible…and at least on the table.

Future outlook aside, Taylor is a freak of nature talent and has a real shot to prove he’s one of the most talented relief pitchers in MLB this season. The data support that notion; now it’s time for him to go out and prove that this year as the ultimate bullpen weapon for Chicago.

“The best thing I can do is limit my pitch count, so I’m available more often. Pitching in different spots, however that role shapes out, make sure I get in there and put up zeroes,” said Taylor.

It’s time for the world to see a fully unleashed Grant Taylor in 2026, and it’s going to be electric.