The Chicago White Sox announced a minor league deal today, signing pitcher Jonathan Heasley and extending him a non-roster invitation to Spring Training. Heasley will have the chance to showcase his abilities in the Cactus League, competing in a crowded pool of pitching hopefuls.
Last year, the White Sox set a franchise record with 70 players attending Spring Training, a number they might approach again in 2025. Heasley pitched for the Baltimore Orioles in 2024, making four relief appearances in which he allowed 10 earned runs over 5 1/3 innings, including two home runs. Most of his season was spent with the Orioles’ Triple-A affiliate in Norfolk, where he made three starts and 10 appearances, compiling a 2.64 ERA across 30 2/3 innings.
Drafted in the 13th round in 2018 by the Kansas City Royals out of Oklahoma State University, the 27-year-old saw his most significant MLB action in 2022. That season, he started 21 games for the Royals, pitching 104 innings with a 5.28 ERA and a 1.49 WHIP. However, he struggled in 2023 with the Royals and their Triple-A team, eventually being traded to the Orioles in December 2023. The Orioles released him midseason in July 2024.
Looking Ahead
The White Sox have made several similar low-risk signings and will bring a large contingent to Glendale for Spring Training. This gives the organization and its development staff an opportunity to evaluate players like Heasley and assess whether they can develop into contributors at the major league level.
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