What happened: On Foul Territory, Josh Nelson said the White Sox reached the ALDS with Sean Burke as the only trustworthy starter. Nelson said Luis Castillo carried a $23 million cost while sitting unpitchable for the final month and a half after the Mariners deal. Chicago used an opener in three of four games, with Anthony Kay working a two-thirds-inning stint.

Why it matters: A one-starter October leaves a bullpen covering almost every ALDS inning. That strain ended a White Sox surge that carried playoff buzz into ALDS week. Nelson said the next step is buying one or two proven starters to anchor the rotation.

What to watch: Nelson tied the 2027 outlook to whether Chicago pays for that innings anchor. Drew Rasmussen came up as the durable type Nelson doubts Chicago can outbid for.