Roster Watch: Can Chris Murphy Hold Onto A Bullpen Spot?
This Spring Training is a bit different from the last few years, as there is a bit more set in stone on the 26-man roster. However, there are certainly still some key positional battles. For the first time in what seems like a very a long time, there aren’t roster battles at practically every position, as the White Sox likely have their starting lineup locked up. However, there are still a few backup spots in the infield and outfield up for grabs, as well as a few spots in the bullpen.
As we get closer to the regular season, we will look at each fringe roster player and their chances to make the team out of Spring Training. The next player we will take a look at is relief pitcher Chris Murphy. Murphy was acquired by the White Sox in an early November trade, as the White Sox sent catching prospect Ronny Hernandez to the Red Sox.
Murphy has been successful in his two major-league seasons with the Boston Red Sox, as he owns a career 4.15 ERA over 82 major league innings. 2025 was Murphy’s best season, as he threw 34 innings, getting in 23 games for the Boston Red Sox.
Over those innings, Murphy had a stellar 3.12 ERA and a very solid 1.18 WHIP. Hitters only hit .172 against him and he struck out 30 batters. As a lefty out of the bullpen, this is exactly what you want to see, and that is exactly why the White Sox traded for him.
At the time of the trade, it seemed like a no-brainer that Murphy would slot into the White Sox bullpen. However, since then, there has been a lot of movement in the bullpen, potentially putting his spot on the major league roster in jeopardy.
As it currently stands, the White Sox have at least six arms that are guaranteed to make the team out of Spring Training. That doesn’t include the two Rule-5 draft picks, who may have a leg up on everybody else due to the fact that the White Sox may lose them if they don’t make the roster. This only leaves a few spots up for grabs in the bullpen.
The fact that Murphy is a lefty certainly helps his case, as there is only one other lefty that’s guaranteed to be in the bullpen, that being Sean Newcomb. Murphy has gotten off to an alright start so far in Spring Training, as prior to today, he gave up two runs over three innings, striking out one.
Murphy got an extended look in today’s game versus the Dodgers, as Murphy threw three innings, giving up five hits, two runs, and struck out three batters.
Chris Murphy with a big CB to get Max Muncy for the 3rd K of his appearance. White Sox go to the T6 tied at 4. pic.twitter.com/lRijzcRG5J
— FutureSox (@FutureSox) February 26, 2026
While you would certainly like to see him cut down on the hits given up, it was encouraging to see him strike out three batters. He will continue to get an extended look as he is one of the main guys fighting for a spot in the bullpen.
Since Chris Getz made the conscious effort to trade for him, I would give him about a 40% chance to make the roster. However, he will need to put a few strong appearances together to increase those chances.