After several minor league signings to build up depth, some major-league talent is on the way.
According to MLB Network insider Jon Morosi, the White Sox and right-hander reliever John Brebbia have agreed to a one-year deal. The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal reports the deal is worth $5.5 million, with a $4 million salary for 2024 and a $6 million mutual option or $1.5 million buyout for 2025. It also includes performance bonuses of $250,000 for each year at 45, 50, 55 and 60 games.
Selected in the 30th-round by the Yankees in the 2011 draft, Brebbia debuted in 2017 with the Cardinals and spent his first three major league seasons with the club. Despite putting up solid numbers, Tommy John surgery led to St. Louis opting to non-tender him following the 2020 season.
Brebbia, 33, has since spent the past three years in San Francisco before hitting the open market. During that stretch, he’s owned a 3.83 ERA (53 ER/124.2 IP), 1.307 WHIP, 6.7% walk rate, and 23% strikeout rate over 134 apperances. More recently in 2023, he posted an ERA of 3.99 with a career high 29.2% strikeout rate, leading to several teams showing interest this offseason.
As more comes out about this signing, it wouldn’t be shocking to learn that newly-hired senior pitching advisor Brian Bannister had some influence, as he spent the previous four seasons with San Francisco. In that span, Brebbia showed off his versatility as a pitcher under his guidance, working as an opener (21 starts over the past two seasons), middle reliever, and setup man.
In a White Sox bullpen that figures to provide plenty of opportunities behind Gregory Santos, Brebbia now figures to be a key fixture. Don’t be surprised to see him serving often in a setup role, similarly to the now-traded Aaron Bummer, or even as an occasional closer until more is known about Santos’ recovery from elbow inflammation.
As we get additional information, we’ll provide further updates.
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Featured Photo: © Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
Brebbia is a solid bullpen member with 7 years of experience. Nothing phenomenal but consistent and reliable is always good in the pen.