White Sox future is looking brighter all the time

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Despite winning only 72 games in the 2019 season, White Sox fans have a lots of reasons for optimism. The White Sox should take a dive in the free agent market, but even if they don’t, they'll be better by virtue of additions from their farm system.

Working from the outside in

Eloy Jimenez helped shore up perhaps the worst outfield in baseball. Luis Robert should join Jimenez early in the 2020 season. The Sox will then have 2/3 of a dynamic outfield. I don’t know if the Sox will add an outfielder via free agency, but even if they don’t, the Sox lineup should be strong enough to carry a defensive guy like Adam Engle if need be.

The infield is looking good, too

The White Sox infield should see the emergence of Nick Madrigal at second next season. If Madrigal lives up to expectations, the Sox should have one of the better infields in baseball. Tim Anderson and Yoan Moncada made huge strides last season and even veteran Jose Abreu had one of his best seasons, leading all of MLB in RBIs.

Put it all together and it looks like this...

James McCann had a breakout season behind the plate and Zack Collins looked better as the season wore on. Collins shows the potential to be a decent version of a three true outcomes guy. The Sox batting order for next season could look something like this:

1. Madrigal

2. Anderson

3. Abreu

4. Moncada

5. Jimenez

6. Robert

7. McCann

8. Collins

9. Engel

That lineup looks pretty good to me.

Help wanted:  Staring Pitchers

Even the White Sox rotation should be improved. Lucas Giolito emerged as an ace. Reynaldo Lopez was inconsistent, but figures to be part of the Sox rotation in 2020. Michael Kopech should be a big addition to the rotation. Carlos Rodon could also come back sometime in 2020.

Gerrit Cole is the big fish in terms of free agent starting pitchers in the free agent market this off-season. I look for the Sox to finish second in the Cole market. There are some of decent mid-rotation types available, however. Madison Bumgarner and Jake Odorizzi are examples of guys the Sox might target to bolster their rotation.

The foundation for the bullpen is in place

The back-end of the Sox pen is already in good shape. Alex Colome is a good closer and Aaron Bummer is one of the better setup men in the AL. Evan Marshall also did some good seventh inning work for the Sox. Jimmy Cordero and Jace Frye also could prove to be seful.

And he could DH

One final thought, the Sox could use another outfielder. Nick Castellanos is available and apparently likes Chicago. Wouldn’t it be interesting if he signed with the White Sox?