Free-agent right-hander Jake Woodford signed a minor-league deal with the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday that includes an invitation to spring training, according to sources. Woodford had a 4.29 ERA in his four seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals. He also had a 1.37 WHIP, 63 walks and 119 total strikeouts over 80 appearances (18 starts) covering 184 2/3 innings pitched. Woodford became a free agent this offseason when he was non-tendered by St. Louis in November. The 27-year-old had a bloated 6.23 ERA with 22 walks and 29 strikeouts in 47 2/3 innings over 15 appearances (eight starts) in 2023 for the Red Birds. Given the White Sox's rebuilding direction heading into the 2024 season, there's a good chance that Woodford will get opportunities as a starter and reliever at the major-league level this upcoming campaign.

St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Jake Woodford will be removed from the starting rotation. Manager Oliver Marmol said that Woodford will pitch in relief going forward with Adam Wainwright (groin) returning on Saturday. Woodford should be available out of the bullpen as early as Thursday's game against the Los Angeles Angels. Woodford holds a rough 5.72 WERA, 1.62 WHIP and 18/10 K/BB ratio across six starts. He can be dropped in all formats with his move to the bullpen. Fantasy managers should check the waiver wire to see if Wainwright is available with him being activated soon.

With St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Adam Wainwright (groin) opening the 2023 regular season on the injured list, right-hander Jake Woodford will open the year in the team's starting rotation as the No. 5 starter. The 26-year-old should get at least a couple of starts early on as Wainwright tries to recover from a strained groin. Woodford has looked good in the Grapefruit League, posting a 2.04 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, five walks and 18 strikeouts in 17 2/3 innings over five appearances (two starts) for the Red Birds. He doesn't miss enough bats to be a real target in mixed-league drafts, but Woodford could be an effective streamer in the short term for those in NL-only leagues to start the 2023 campaign.