Leasure time: Jordan’s back, Steven Wilson demoted
An orthodox rookie-for-veteran exchange in a pen desperate for stability
In a slightly curious move, the White Sox demoted veteran reliever Steven Wilson to Charlotte while promoting rookie reliever Jordan Leasure.
Both pitchers have pitched relatively well this season, at least given the shambles of the White Sox bullpen. Wilson’s 3.46 ERA is deceptive, as he’s also pitching to a 5.36 FIP and has walked 17 batters in 26 innings.
Leasure’s season has been more hot-and-cold. He began 2024 as a rookie phenom, surrendering just seven total earned runs over 23 2⁄3 innings in April-May (2.66 ERA) but then tripping into six earned over five innings/games in June. He also got increasingly wild, with a 2.000 WHIP in June and four walks.
In Charlotte, Leasure had just one bad outing (three earned runs) in six games, making his case to return to Chicago.
Leasure remains sixth in pitcher WAR (0.5) on the White Sox staff and second among relievers. Wilson, at 0.1 WAR, is tied for ninth among pitchers and tied for fourth out of the pen.
Leasure along with Charlotte/Chicago teammate Nick Nastrini was part of the Lance Lynn/Joe Kelly trade last July. Wilson came over as the sole veteran in the Dylan Cease trade with the Padres before the 2024 season.