White Sox could improve in a hurry with help from free agency

Image Courtesy of Bing

The White Sox finished up the 2018 season like many seasons in recent memory, by listlessly  slogging through loss after loss in the final month of the season.  There are rumblings, however, they may make some significant moves this offseason.  They’ve even been mentioned as being a player in the Bryce Harper sweepstakes.  Personally, I don’t know if I’d pay any player the $350-400 million it will probably take to sign Harper, but the fact the Sox seem to at least be dipping their toe in the water for Harper would seem to indicate they’re serious about getting better this season.

What a coincidence

The Sox will almost automatically get better this season by bring up Eloy Jimenez.  Jimenez is the best player in their organization.  Sox GM, Rick Hahn, indicated that Jimenez will be brought up when his defense improves.  I expect his defense will improve at the same time the Sox can control him for an extra year before he hits free agency.  If the Sox have Harper and Jimenez in the same outfield, they’re substantially better even if they don’t make another move.  But I think they will be at least moderately aggressive in the free agent market.

Well, that slogan won't work

One player I hope the Sox don’t pursue is Manny Machado.  If the Sox sign Machado they would have to alter their slogan from, “Ricky’s boys don’t quit” to “Ricky’s boys don’t quit, except for Manny’.  If Renteria is trying to build a hustling type of culture on the team, signing Machado would seem to be counterproductive to that. There are a number of players beyond the big two who the Sox could sign and make them much better.

These guys could help

The Sox outfield was a disaster last season.  Adam Engel provided excellent defense in center and even hit a little better in the second half, but he’s an extra outfielder on a good team.  I’d like to see the Sox explore options like Michael Brantley and A J Pollock.  Both have dealt with injuries in recent seasons but are very effective when healthy.  Pollock is an excellent defensive center fielder and is a pretty good offensive player with some pop.  Michael Brantley hit .309 with an OBP of .364.  His career batting average is .295 and his career OBP his .351.  He’s the type of offensive player the Sox could desperately use.  

Moncada on the move?

While the White Sox infield isn’t quite the mess the outfield is, it could use some help.  While Yolmer Sanchez was adequate at third last season, he’s better utilized as a utility guy.  I’m also not sure Yoan Moncada will remain at second.  Moncada’s defense was spotty last season. While I expect him to be a force offensively, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him play third or the outfield when all is said and done.  If the Sox wanted to upgrade their infield defense, D J LaMahieu is available.  A gold glove second baseman could do wonders for the team’s defense, and by extension, their pitching staff. Hopefully last year’s first round pick, Nick Madrigal, will show up in the Sox infield before too long, but LeMahieu could help in the meantime.

A guy I was beating the drum for the Sox to sign last year was Mike Moustakas.  I still wouldn’t mind seeing them sign him.  Jed Lowrie could also be useful but the fact he’s 34 years old makes him less appealing to me.

For starters....

The Sox also need a starting pitcher or two.  Patrick Corbin heads the list of guys who are available, but I think he’s going to the Yankees, or at least somewhere other than the White Sox.   Guys they might make a run at include Nathan Eovaldi and Dallas Keuchel.  Of those two Eovaldi has the higher ceiling while Keuchel has the higher floor.  For the Sox, Keuchel might be the better fit.  Keuchel is overshadowed in the Astros rotation but last year he went 12-11 with an ERA of 3.74.  He also worked 204.2 innings.  He would be a nice addition to a young Sox staff.

Return engagement?

There are a number of relievers who could help the Sox pen. One that comes to mind immediately is Joakim Soria.  Soria performed well for the Sox last season before being traded.  He could provide some depth this season.  Some high profile guys looking for work include Craig Kimbrel, Andrew Miller and Zach Britton.  The guy out of that group I’d most like to see the Sox make a run at is Andrew Miller.  Miller wasn’t healthy last season, but still managed to strike out 11.9 hitters per 9 innings. 

Last year was generally miserable for White Sox fans, but if the front office is aggressive this season, the team could make up a ton off ground in a hurry. Their division is ridiculously weak.  Their farm system is already loaded.  Now’s the time to add some veteran pieces.

Isn't it ironic?

Finally, the Sox have extended Ricky Renteria.  It’s ironic that Renteria may outlast Joe Maddon in Chicago.  Generally speaking, I like Ricky as a manger.  I just wish he wouldn’t have the team bunt so much.