"Kay has had a fascinating baseball journey, one which culminated in him dominating the NPB in Japan last season to the tune of a 1.74 ERA in 155 innings. He spurned larger offers to return to Major League Baseball, receiving $12 million total from the White Sox (or $20 million, if his $10 million mutual option for 2028 is accepted by both parties)."
"This is an incredible comeback story for a veteran pitcher who was once one of the best starting pitching prospects in the business. Kay has made all of seven starts in his big-league career; if he stays healthy, that number could quadruple in 2026."
"He's the only lefty among the starting five the White Sox named to their rotation, so there's a good chance that he's asked to soak up a lot of innings for a young, rebuilding team. Over the past two years in Japan, he handled more than 290 frames."
Anthony Kay, once a top pitching prospect obtained by Toronto in the Marcus Stroman trade to the Mets, struggled through years of limited playing time and poor results in MLB before being released. After a failed 2023 stint, Kay found redemption in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball, posting a 1.74 ERA over 155 innings. He signed a two-year deal with the Chicago White Sox and will open the 2026 season in their rotation as the team's only left-handed starter. Kay's journey from prospect disappointment to international success represents a remarkable comeback opportunity in Major League Baseball.
Read at Jays Journal
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