Former UC Davis baseball standout Tanner Murray has returned to Sacramento just weeks after making his Major League Baseball debut with the Chicago White Sox. The right-handed pitcher, who played collegiately for the Aggies from 2019 to 2022, was called up to the White Sox roster in late March 2026 and made his first appearance on April 3, 2026, against the Cleveland Guardians at Guaranteed Rate Field.
Murray, a Sacramento native and graduate of Jesuit High School, was optioned to the White Sox’s Triple-A affiliate, the Charlotte Knights, following his debut. He arrived back in the Sacramento area in mid-April 2026 to continue his rehabilitation and training regimen under the supervision of the White Sox player development staff, according to team officials.
The 23-year-old right-hander posted a 2.70 ERA in 13 appearances for the Knights before his promotion, striking out 21 batters in 16⅓ innings of work. His MLB debut came in a relief role, where he retired two of the three batters he faced, including a strikeout of Guardians’ slugger José Ramírez.
From Aggie Ace to Big League Arm
Murray’s journey to the majors began at UC Davis, where he emerged as one of the program’s most reliable arms. In his final season with the Aggies in 2022, he posted a 3.45 ERA over 78⅓ innings, earning All-Big West Honorable Mention honors. He was selected by the Chicago White Sox in the 12th round of the 2022 MLB Draft, signing shortly thereafter for a reported $150,000 bonus.
After spending the 2023 and 2024 seasons in the White Sox minor league system, Murray broke through in 2025 with a strong showing at Double-A Birmingham, where he went 4-2 with a 2.88 ERA in 28 appearances. His performance earned him an invitation to major league spring training in 2026, where he impressed enough to secure a spot on the opening day roster.
“Tanner’s progression has been steady and impressive,” said White Sox pitching coach Ethan Katz in a team-released statement. “He attacks the zone, mixes his pitches well, and has the makeup to handle big-league moments. We’re excited to see how he continues to develop.”
Sacramento Roots and Community Ties
Despite his professional commitments, Murray has maintained strong ties to the Sacramento area. During the offseason, he regularly participates in youth baseball clinics hosted by the Sacramento River Cats and has volunteered with local urban youth sports initiatives through the nonprofit Urban Youth Sports.
His return to the region has been noted by local baseball enthusiasts, with several Sacramento-based youth leagues announcing plans to host meet-and-greet events featuring Murray later in the spring, pending scheduling approval from the White Sox organization.
Murray’s younger brother, Tyler, currently plays infield for Sacramento State University, continuing the family’s legacy in regional collegiate baseball.
What’s Next for Murray
As of mid-April 2026, Murray remains on the White Sox 40-man roster and is eligible for recall based on performance and roster needs. The team has indicated that his next opportunity will likely reach in a relief role, with potential for increased usage as the season progresses.
No official timeline has been announced for his return to the active roster, but White Sox general manager Chris Getz emphasized patience in Murray’s development during a recent media availability.
“We’re not rushing anyone,” Getz said. “Tanner has shown he belongs in this organization. When the time is right, we’ll give him that chance again.”
For now, Murray continues his work in Sacramento, refining his craft while staying connected to the community that helped shape his early career.
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