Chicago White Sox to sign former Brewers standout: Report

While the Chicago White Sox are more focused on the future, they still need pitchers to eat innings at the major league level. After another franchise passed, the White Sox have found their next veteran option.

Chicago is closing in on a contract with right-handed pitcher Adrian Houser, via Robert Murray of FanSided. Houser was recently released from his contract with the Texas Rangers.

As it stands, the White Sox rank 21st in the league with their 4.24 ERA. Their .253 batting average ranks 22nd while Chicago’s 341 strikeouts are the third-fewest in the league. On the flip side, the White Sox’s 180 walks allowed are the fourth-most.

Houser won’t singlehandedly turn the South Siders into pitching world beaters. But he at least gives the White Sox a potential reclamation project and definite innings eater as they continue to mold their pitching rotation.

According to @ByRobertMurray, the #WhiteSox are nearing a deal to sign free agent starter Adrian Houser.

Houser’s background, plus a connection to someone already on staff for the club, for @WGNNews:https://t.co/BCffHgNHA3

— Eli Ong (@ThePenOfEli) May 19, 2025

What Adrian Houser offers Chicago White Sox 

Houser made his first MLB appearance in 2015, playing eight major league seasons total. Over his 152 games – 104 of them being starts – the righty has put up a 32-39 record with a 4.21 ERA and a 484/244 K/BB ratio.

While Houser last played for the New York Mets in 2024, fans will likely remember him from his time with the Milwaukee Brewers. He pitched 129 games for the game, compiling a 31-34 record, 4.00 ERA and 439/212 K/BB ratio. Houser showed his true potential during the 2021 season, putting up a 10-6 record, career-best 3.22 ERA and a 105/64 K/BB ratio.

But after struggling with the Mets – 1-5 record, 5.84 ERA and 45/32 K/BB ratio – Houser was forced to go the minor league route. He spent time with the Baltimore Orioles and Chicago Cubs before joining the Rangers to start 2025. Over his nine starts at Triple-A, Houser held a 2-2 record with a 5.03 ERA and a 37/15 K/BB ratio.

While the numbers aren’t jumping off the page, there are some positives to the right-handers’ output. He is striking out nearly 23 percent of hitters and forcing a near 58 percent ground ball rate. Houser will need to show strong improvements to stick at the major league level, but there is still some upside in the peripherals.

Overall, the White Sox are hoping Houser can find his form at the major league level. He won’t be asked to lead the rotation and could even be used as a long reliever if necessary. But Chicago is simply trying to veteran starting pitching as their top prospects continue to develop.

The signing of Houser won’t make any White Sox fan jump out of their seat. But it could make it easier on Chicago’s pitching staff as they try to make it through the full 162-game season.