The White Sox are unfazed in their pursuit of both Bryce Harper and Manny Machado, but the Southsiders don’t view themselves as the favorite for either, per USA Today’s Bob Nightengale (via Twitter). The White Sox plan to meet with both Harper and Machado during these winter meetings. In their favor, Chicago’s financial ledger is clear of future obligations (save for Tim Anderson’s deal, which is guaranteed through 2022) as they approach a window to compete in the AL Central after 2019. Still, a Harper signing would be uncharacteristically rich for White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf, writes the Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal (subscription link). There are examples of the typically-prudent Reinsdorf opening his wallet, however, most notably the signings of Albert Belle (for $55MM in 1996 )and Jose Abreu (for $68MM in 2013). Clearly, those dollar amounts pale in comparison to what either Harper or Machado will demand, but both were splashy acquisitions in their time that demanded the league’s attention in their respective winters. More rumblings on the Southsiders plans for the rest of the offseason…
- GM Rick Hahn checked one box off his offseason to-do list with yesterday’s acquisition of starter Ivan Nova. While it’s not a landscape-shifting move by any means, it’s an important one for the White Sox, who have Nova earmarked for the innings originally allocated to top prospect Michael Kopech, per James Fegan of the Athletic (subscription link). Nova should provide reliable, if unspectacular rotation innings, much in the mold of James Shields, though Nova isn’t quite the innings-eater that Shields is (Nova’s career high in innings is 187 in 2017). Nova, with Scott Boras client Carlos Rodon, Reynaldo Lopez and Lucas Giolito, should make up the front four in the Sox 2019 rotation, with the fifth spot an open competition between Manny Banuelos, Dylan Covey, Jordan Stephens and perhaps a couple non-roster invitees. Hahn remains on the lookout for further rotation help, but with at least one more rebuilding season ahead, the White Sox have the luxury of patience as they continue to audition young arms for what, they hope, could be an earnestly-competitive roster by 2020.
- Hahn is also on the lookout for a short-term catching option to add to the 2019 mix after dealing Omar Narvaez to Seattle. Their interest in Yasmani Grandal must be grouped, at present, with Machado and Harper as guys the Sox are kicking the tires on, but unlikely to lock down. They have a pair of catching prospects in Zack Collins and Seby Zavala, but there’s no reason to rush either one when one-year stopgaps like Martin Maldonado or James McCann are available, whom the Sox could happily pair with Wellington Castillo for the time being. Collins and Zavala don’t preclude a Grandal acquisition, as the latter would take some pressure of the pair of prospects, though it’s reasonable to assume Grandal’s market could see an influx of suitors when the J.T. Realmuto sweepstakes reaches a conclusion.
Realistically how many years do the White Sox have left on their rebuild?
Honestly, I think they can contend in a year or two. Signing a Harper or Machado may put them over the top and into contention. And they are both, what, 26? It’s not like they are signing a 30 year old to a huge deal. Even if it takes a few years, they are still in their prime.
Both those guys combined aren’t going to get them the minimum 30 win turn around they’d need to contend. They are a couple years away at least. With or without any big fee agents.
They would also be adding Eloy Jimenez a few weeks in the season. Also, the AL Central is not going to be the hardest division to win. So, with some improvements with young guys (Moncada, Lopez, etc) some new prospects (Jimenez, others) with a big-name free agent (or both!!!) would cause the team to be better in 2019 and to expect them to then be a playoff contender starting in 2020 to be realistic.
I think they should compete in 2920. If they made a couple a big acquisitions and everything goes right, they may be competitive this year.
2920…is that a typo?
Yes, because any team should.be able to win it every 108 years.
Oh no, Another 900 years?! Well sh*t.
In all seriousness, agreed 2020 is very realistic, especially if some of that pitching figures it out.
As bad as CWS record was in ‘18, dozens of games were lost due to an untimely error, a missed ball/strike call, or a missed rbi opportunity. Sure, there were plenty of times when we were simply outclassed. But a few key improvements this offseason can go a long ways towards reducing that deficit. Then it’s just a matter of time before the pendulum of percentages swings back to CWS getting the benefit of those game-changing breaks.
There’s a saying, ‘You make your own luck’. CWS are making strides to improve their ‘luck’ in 2019.
They’ll be around .500 in 2019. That list of prospects is impressive & deep. When Tim Anderson signed that pennies on the dollar contract he should know Sox aim to move him. He’s keeping Madrigal’s seat warm. Moncada will have a coming out next year. Assuming he doesn’t become another Brian Anderson 5-tool nada. I reckon Genghis Hahn will make another few additions to pitching staff. Cease will get a shot in 2019. ELOY’S COMIN UP !!! The future is Bright
Grebek7: The future is very bright and could even provide glimmer in 2019 with some luck (and $$$!!!) in the FA market, a couple more astute trades, the continued development of their younger players as well as the anticipated promotion of more elite prospects like Eloy Jimenez and Dylan Cease.
I do beg to differ on one of your points. I don’t believe Tim Anderson will be keeping SS warm for Nick Madrigal. Anderson has shown plenty of defensive improvement this past season at SS, enough to make him an above average defender now with a chance for even more growth in the coming years due to his elite athleticism. The front office may allow Madrigal some time at SS in 2019 but still envision him as their future second baseman where he has Gold Glove potential. I actually see Yolmer Sanchez keeping 2B warm for Madrigal in 2019 with Yoan Moncada sliding over to 3B in time for opening day.
There is one impacting move that could change that expectation. It would be the signing of Manny Machado this offseason. The White Sox preference would undoubtedly be for Machado to play 3B. That would keep Anderson at SS, Moncada at 2B and put Yolmer Sanchez in his ideal role as backup to all 3 positions. There is also the chance that signing Machado might include a promise to him for a shot at his preferred position of SS. Machado was awful there with the Orioles last season but his defense at SS improved remarkably after he was trade to the Dodgers. If Machado were to play SS on the South Side in 2019 that would entail a whole different scenario of potential moves including bumping Anderson to CF until Luis Robert is ready for prime time in 2020 or 2021. Moncada could also be shifted to CF with Anderson moving to 3B as well, although the former does already possess experience at the hot corner where he debuted with the Red Sox in 2016.
Depends on how quickly the young pitching develops and if they can stay healthy. Losing Kopech hurts. I don’t think they need to sign Machado, Harper would be good though.
one or two years maybe. this years probably gonna be rough
At least 4 if not more.
.500+ team in 2020, Legit playoff contender in ’21 and beyond.
Doubt that. Abreu will be gone yoan moncada will leave as soon as he can as well. Matter of fact they been shopping Abreu the last 2 years.
totally reasonable from pplama. Moncada is under control until 2024 and frankly, hasn’t looked that great anyway. The 2b in 2021 and beyond is more likely Madrigal. Abreu may or may not be there much longer but his value going forward isn’t going to make or break a rebuild. Lots of 1B out there that can replace him. Stick to what you know bryzzo, whatever that is.
I know baseball. Live breathe and sleep baseball.
I dont give 2 squirts what the white Sox do. I want the Cubs and theo and Jed to stop trolling and make a move. There was what one big move the entire winter meetings. And it was an overpaid for McCutchen.
Good for him for getting a deal like that. I hope he does well.
Can understand a basic lack of faith in Moncada, especially in light of the Gordon Beckham Experience. But they are two different animals. I’m seeing and hearing the right things about Yoyo’s determination to improve. Give the guy a chance. CWS won’t regret it.
Problem is none of their prospects have really taken a step forward
Not totally true. Most of the best prospects were in high A last year where a case can be made that they dominated and will play AA this year. The major exceptions to that being Eloy and Cease, who should both hit the majors in 2019.
Injuries didn’t help either. The only top-6 White Sox prospect who went through the entire 2018 season unscathed was Dylan Cease (#3).
Michael Kopech was healthy throughout his AAA season but suffered the most damaging blow with his UCL injury shortly after his MLB debut which knocks him out for the entirety of 2019 following subsequent TJ surgery.
Top prospect Eloy Jimenez (pectoral) and #4 Luis Robert (thumb) were hurt during spring training last season resulting in delayed starts to their minor league seasons. Robert was the most significant and delayed his debut until June 5th. Each suffered subsequent injuries in early July. Jimenez missed two additional weeks with a strained abductor muscle while Robert suffered a moderately sprained ligament to his other thumb sidelining him for more than another month.
Top 2018 draft pick Nick Madrigal debut was delayed for two reasons. The first was due to his college team Oregon State winning the NCAA championship. The other delay was due to a hamstring issue he suffered during their run to the title. He played through it and didn’t miss time but it affected his production in the final series while also delaying his pro debut with the White Sox.
White Sox #6 prospect Dane Dunning was shut down for the remainder of the 2018 season in late June due to a moderate elbow sprain.
These were hardly the only injuries suffered by top White Sox prospects. They lost 3B Jake Burger (#13) for the entire season due to two separate achilles injuries. SP Alec Hansen (#10) missed the first two months with a forearm injury and was not the same pitcher he was in 2017 after returning. OF Micker Adolfo (#11) was diagnosed with a torn flexor muscle and a strained UCL in his elbow during Spring Training, then hit well as a DH only despite the injuries until the White Sox shut him down in July so he could get TJ surgery in time to be ready for 2019. Finally, top closing prospect Zack Burdi missed virtually the entire 2018 campaign due to his TJ surgery in July of 2017. He returned to the mound late in the season with a few appearances for the White Sox AZL rookie team and also pitched briefly in the AFL. He’s expected to be healthy and compete for a bullpen job with the White Sox next spring in Glendale.
The problem is most fans are impatient. The only prospects we’ve seen so far are Moncada, Lopez, and Giolito (and a couple games from Kopech). The other important pieces are still young and working their way up through the minors (and most are performing well, to say the least).
Yes, many fans are impatient. As far as potentially impacting “prospects” go, the White Sox did get a look at some decent bullpen talent last season who also have an opportunity to become key relievers in the future. They would include southpaws Jace Fry and Aaron Bummer, along with a potential righty closer in Ian Hamilton. Unfortunately, the White Sox also had another disappointing year from former #1 pick Carson Fulmer who will now be shifted to the bullpen where he will still have a chance to shine in late relief.
Of course, there were two other former #1 picks playing on the South Side last year who also figure prominently in their future, Tim Anderson and Carlos Rodon. None of these players and prospects have come close to approaching their high ceilings yet but all have shown flashes of brilliance and are making progress. Let’s hope that continues in earnest in 2019 and beyond.
1. They are are playoff team in 2020.
maybe.
they’re going to be a lot more interesting in 2020. but its not like all the prospects upon arrival will be perennial all-stars.
Residing in the weakest division in MLB could escalate the White Sox chances of becoming a playoff team by 2020, especially with the Indians selling off many of their most expensive veterans this offseason after allowing many more to walk as FA’s.
Realistically, this is only the start of year 3 in the rebuild – Sale was traded Dec 2016. I think it’s safe to say they should have 1 more year where they are pretty bad, push for .500 in 2020, and legitimately contend for the playoffs in 2021. Most of their best prospects will be working their way through AA next year, hopefully making a push for AAA or even the bigs by the end of the year, if all goes right.
The only thing that throws a potential wrench in the timeline is how bad the AL Central is going to be. It’s very possible they could be able to move everything up a year with the addition of one of the big bats. Realistically, they should hold off another year before spending big, but opportunities like these (26 year old star free agents) don’t come around frequently.
Using simple numbers, say Bryce gets 10y/$300M. Is it worth eating 1y/$30M in an uncompetitive 2019 just to have him going forward? Will there be a free agent in 2020 that’s better than a 27 year old Bryce and will sign for less than 9y/$270M? Those are the questions they need to answer, and I think they already have based on their legitimate pursuit of both these guys.
If they fail to sign either, there’s no need to panic and sign a bunch of older free agents to big contracts – just accept it and stick with the plan. Then throw money at the older guys when your team is actually ready.
This is year 3, and it’s the last one.
Baines recently voted in HOF. White Sox pushing for both BiG Free Agents. Owner on the HOF Committee. !!! I’m not a conspiracy theorist, But definitely some good maneuvering going on here. . . Well See. To be Determined, OutCome…
One has nothing to do with the other. Harold Baines also had a lot of help with others on the committee aside from Jerry Reinsdorf including manager Tony LaRussa (White Sox minors, A’s), GM Pat Gillick (Orioles) and teammate Roberto Alomar (Orioles). Additionally, 8 others votes were needed in order for Baines to reach Cooperstown.
However, I and most other White Sox fans will gladly buy into your “conspiracy” theory if JR does indeed open his wallet this offseason. He’s done it in the past with notable names already mentioned in the article, Albert Belle and Jose Abreu. He also signed Carlton Fisk and Greg Luzinski shortly after purchasing the White Sox back in 1981. Each played prominent roles on the White Sox 1983 AL West Division champs who also posted MLB’s best record before bowing out to the World Champ Orioles in the postseason.
Btw-When Reinsdorf signed Belle following the labor unrest in the mid-1990’s it was as much to spite the other owners as it was to improve the White Sox chances to reach the postseason. He was miffed that the other owners sided with George Steinbrenner rather than with his “hawkish” stance that included getting a salary cap out of the labor negotiations. He was especially ired that MLB lost numerous games in the 1990’s due to labor unrest and the entire 1994 postseason when his own White Sox were one of the prohibitive favorites for a World Series championship. Despite being in a big market like Chicago and at a time when the White Sox were every bit as relevant as the Cubs, he championed the side of the middle and smaller market teams when it came to dealing with the MLBPA. He not only lost a big opportunity with his own team but felt the owners also wound up losing virtually every negotiating point while the players prevailed once again.
I can envision JR splurging on FA’s once again, especially as a soon to be 83-year old owner who will be selling this team in the near future. He would not only desire adding another World Series victory or more as White Sox owner but also cement his legacy as Chicago’s most successful sports owner with more professional championships which stands at 7 with those 6 Bulls titles. I also believe he would relish buying a title or two for the South Side, especially if it eventually led to a salary cap with the MLBPA in the next two CBA’s before he retires.
Not white Sox fan but I think it be fascinating if they some how signed both. The AL Central is weak and that kind of bold move could tip the scales in their favor for the foreseeable future.
Or sink them for decades.
Try and Sign them to shorter deals with opt outs after like 2021-22?? That puts them at like age 30 or so and still in position to sign another mega deal. I personally don’t want Harper though I think he’s the most overrated player in the league..
There is no way the Sox cough up 300-400 million after topping out at 68. Not under this ownership anyway.
Yeah, I’m sure they’re just out there taking meetings to waste everybody’s time for the heck of it…
I can all but guarantee they’ll be bidding top dollar for both of these guys, whether it’s total value or a higher annual value. They aren’t stupid (well, outside of Kenny). The real question isn’t whether or not they’ll offer the going rate, it’s will they offer enough OVER the going rate to entice either to sign here instead of with one of the big guys. Even then, there’s a realistic scenario where they are the highest bidder and still lose out. Then we can continue this BS rhetoric about Jerry being cheap.
Fortunately, Kenny won’t be involved in the actual bidding or contract construction for Harper or Machado. He will be the “pretty face” sitting in the corner. Rick Hahn will be the man putting together and presenting all of the deal scenarios to each free agent and their representatives with Jerry Reinsdorf involved and hopefully signing off on a winning bid. I also have enough faith in Hahn and JR’s financial expertise that they won’t be getting into a bidding war with themselves over Scott Boras’ client Harper, something the super agent has been purported to do in the past regarding A-Rod with the Rangers and more recently with Chris Davis and the Orioles.
As a Sox fan they have the cash to spend on both.
The 5 years $55M for Belle in 96 was the largest contract ever at that time. Reinsdorf took a lot of flack for it.
Well the Sox have only what..5m in contracts for 2020 or 21..they could afford to give both 30-35m a year and still have money left over to spend.. realisticly another 75m to put our payroll at 150m..which is alot,but compared to the rest of the league, not so much
It’s true the White Sox topped out at $68MM with Abreu’s contract back in 2013. It’s also been speculated that the White Sox have offered substantially more dollars to FA’s in the recent past, including Yoenis Cespedes who desired to remain with the Mets and Masahiro Tanaka who eventually signed with the Yankees when the former “sealed” posting process with qualifying veteran Japanese players was still in effect.
The White Sox are more likely to lose out once again in the bidding for Harper and Machado but they won’t be wasting everyone’s time going into negotiations with low ball offers. I expect they will be a finalist for at least one of the two and that their bid in each case will exceed $300MM. Hopefully it will be enough but they may need to substantially outbid a more glamorous suiter like the Dodger (Harper) or Yankees (Machado). The Phillies may be in the same boat with each FA as well. If it actually comes down to a bidding war for either just among the White Sox and Phillies I still might bet on the latter with their better history of dishing out big dollars. I feel the White Sox chances would improve in a showdown with Philly alone. If each club were the two remaining finalist for both I would then expect the White Sox to get one of them. We’ll find out shortly, perhaps as soon as next week with Machado visits scheduled in NY, Chicago and Philadelphia along with a few other mystery destinations.
They aren’t exactly in a strong division so they have a better shot at contending sooner rather than later compared to other rebuilders…
I understand the Nova signing, but I still don’t like it. He’s mediocre at best, which sends the wrong message to potential FAs and current roster.
The White Sox should be going after a quality veteran pitcher to be a leader in the clubhouse.
FWIW, Nova is a quality veteran and a leader. And Sox fans will love the days he pitches (he routinely has 6-9 pitch innings).
He’s not DeGrom, no. Better than what they had. And that they made this trade indicates that free agents weren’t beating down their door.
Nova’s a decent #3 or #4 starter on a good staff. Essentially, he’s James Shields. The Sox will need a TOR veteran with quality stuff at some point. Maybe not an ace, but ace-like, such as a Happ or Corbin. Speaking of Corbin…
As the Nationals demonstrated with the Corbin signing, it’s all about the Benjamins. Free agents don’t beat down doors to join clubs, they go to the team offering the best contract, generally. Until things shake out, I wouldn’t assume the White Sox out of the running.
I don’t hate the move, but if he’s such a quality pitcher, why is 187 innings his top inning total? Quality pitchers usually get 200+
Not anymore they don’t. Only 13 guys threw 200+ innings last year (15 in 2016 and 2017).
Im not saying he needs to do it every year. He has never done it! Nova is strictly an innings eater(like shields), not a quality pitcher.
The Sox acquired Nova out of necessity. He is a solid mid-rotation starter. He has to have a good year in 2019 to get a big new contract. Harper is a corner outfielder, and they are not hard to find. The Sox have excellent prospects coming along in the minors outfield. Palka is a hard hitting DH/RF also. Both Harper and Machado are serious longshots to be wearing Sox flannels next year. But it would spark team interest and ticket sales to have one of them on the South side.
Doesn’t the blurb about the belle contract being uncharacteristic of him, and “splashy at the time” kind of understate the fact that when Belle signed that contract he was the highest paid player in the league? First player to play for double digit millions. Considering Harper is apparently wanting to break contract records, that seems relevant
I think it had more to do with how long it’s been since they made a move like that than it is about the dollar amount.
Was Belle the first opt-out in MLB history?
The Sox dodged a bullet on that one.
I think the more teams kick the tires on Grandal and his grand contract (justifiability) requests, the more the trade market looks appealing. Realmuto is New York bound, we should just accept it, the only question is at what costs.
They will not sign with White Sox. Safe bet says Machado goes to the Yankees and Harper signs with the Dodgers.
If anyone of the 2 goes to the yabkees its bryce Harper
One goes to the jankees the other goes to philly
I’m just hoping the Sox do something big and significant this off-season that may perhaps jump start the rebuild. As was already pointed out, the division is weak right now.
Both Harper and Machado are good young players….opt outs can be the Sox friend here. Let them come in at their prime then go chasing more money in 4-5 years when they opt out of the contract. In the meantime, Sox rebuild takes a huge step forward and prospects get a chance to grow without being rushed to fill in the vacancies.
Why would Machado or Harper have any interest in the white Sox it’s all by a guarantee theyll finish 4th or 5th the next 4 years. Prospects don’t mean jack
You do realize that guys like Harper, Machado, Trout, etc used to be prospects, correct? If they don’t mean jack, the people in the organizations who know what they are doing wouldn’t be trading for them or turning them into more established players. You are letting your Cubs bias blind you from reality.
They were prospects that panned out. The white Sox have maybe 3 really good prospects 2 of them they got for jose Quintana. Last I checked eloy Jimenez hasnt dont anything special in the minor for the white Sox. Neither has Dylan Cease. The Cubs overpaid for him but they needed pitching. And jose Q hasnt been all that bad.
“Eloy hasn’t done anything special in the minors for the Sox.” lol what
You keep digging yourself a deeper into a hole and showing that you have no idea what you’re talking about. I don’t even know where to start on your last couple comments.
Just stop now. Eloy tearing up the minors and Cease was named minor league pitcher of the year. Plus, Robert, Madrigal doing great as well.
Probably the best hitter in milb in 2018 not named Vlad Jr. I rarely comment here at mlbtr but I had to call this guy out. Does he regularly troll the comments in Sox rumors?
He says he lives, breathes and sleeps baseball and then puts his foot in his mouth repeatedly. Keep them coming Bryzzo, this is kind of fun now.
Your energy and concern may be better spent on why the Scrubbies so-called dynasty is in decline. Perhaps it is the deep pocket FA spending of late has been bad and several of its young hopefuls regressing. BTW just remember WSox won the race to World Series title. It’s a new race now. WSox fans are generally a realistic lot that know the rebuild goes on if their huge $ don’t land either big fish (the more likely outcome).
Eloy was a monster in the minors last year! Gotta love when I see other cubs fans reinforcing the stereotype that Cubs fans don’t know s***t about baseball….smh
I know exactly what I’m talking about. Eloy did great in the Cubs system. He struggled in the white Sox system. Thats all I’m saying. Clearly you’re not comprehending tha.
I’m from a stereotype Cubs fan. That’s an ignorant comment right there.
I know more about baseball than you’ll ever know. You just down vote me and troll me because you know I’m right.
The white Sox won q wrold series by cheating for one. And 2. They won first and the Cubs were still the cities team. The white Sox could win 5 more world series than the Cubs in 20 years and the cubs would be Chicago’s team
Best record in the American League and arguably the most dominant pitching run in post season history? Yah, they really cheated their way to that one.
Typical “Cubs fan that doesn’t care about the White Sox.”
Want to talk about cheap wins? How about being gifted a rain delay when you’re doing your best to choke away a World Series?
Oh yah. And Eloy has gotten significantly better since joining the White Sox. Don’t let facts get in the way.
Never stop trolling.
Most Cubs fans aren’t from the city, and couldn’t care less about Chicago.
This dose of reality may be tough for many Sox fans to handle. I, for 1, am heartened to hear that they are sticking to the plan.
Not a White Sox fan, but Hahn has been making some super-savvy moves.
Sounds like things are going to be exciting again soon for fans of the team – though they’re probably still another couple of years away.
But Sox still hsve the same problem. They cannot develop positional talent. Hahn can trade for all the best prospects out their and the development issue still remains…
Overstated issue. They haven’t drafted high end positional talent until recently. They focused solely on pitchers at the top of the draft for years, and when they radomly decided to go for a position player, Kenny would draft extremely raw football players. Those guys are a lot harder to “develop” than a MLB-ready talent like Kris Bryant.
They had a lot of position players that put up good numbers in the minors last year – not to mention Eloy got even better.
Take a look at baseball reference for WSox milb stats and in particular Winston-Salem. You may be pleasantly surprised. While it is hitter friendly, still a lot of key positional player prospects they want to matter are doing well….and under-the-radar guys like OF Gonzalez and scrappy SS Laz Rivera. Lot of untouted P also did well at various levels.
What do you call Frank Thomas, Paul Konerko, Joe Crede, Magglio Ordonez, Carlos Lee, Aaron Rowand or Chris Young?
And as someone already mentioned, the Sox weren’t trying to develop much positional talent after ‘05. They were solely focused on developing pitchers and relying on FAs for everything else.
Neitheir player will sign on the Southside. Reinsdorf will not dole out the $$$ it will take. Do not believe what Hahn has said. The Nova trade has clearly shown they will operate as normal for 2019. If Nova has a decent 1st half they’ll try and flip him at trade deadline. They go out a grab some marginal free agents or reclamation prospect just like they always do. Until there is new ownership, this team is going now where..
Sox can talk all they want about Harper/Machado, but they have the same issue St. Louis does. Who WANTS to play for the White Sox?
Harper, for example. “Hey Bryce! Come play for us and you can be on a team that’s an afterthought in a big city! You’ll read all about the Cubs everyday, get to watch them in ESPN each week, and hear about Theo & Joe all year! You’ll love it here because no one cares if you win or lose! Everyone only ever talks about the Cubs here!”
Are you butt hurt bc they spent their potential Harper dollars on Heyward a few years ago?
Let me guess – you’d qualify yourself as a “Cubs fan who doesn’t care about the White Sox”? Typical.
Who wants to play for the Cubs?
If the White Sox fail to land Bryce Harper or Manny Machado they should not fall back to less impacting and older veteran FA’s like Nick Markakis or Mike Moustakas. An exception might be Michael Brantley who could provide a much needed high BA/OBP left-handed hitting bat atop their lineup. Brantley is best utilized in LF which would push Eloy Jimenez to RF for the short term. One other fall back option could be A.J. Pollock who is a comparable age to Brantley, would also provide an upgrade atop the batting order but has the ability to play CF and RF. Pollock was extended a QO and would cost the White Sox their #2 pick next June along with the loss of international bonus pool money. Each come with injury concerns but when healthy are proven dynamic players. A contract not exceeding four years in length could make some sense for the White Sox in both the short and long term.
I still don’t have the utmost faith in the White Sox top catching prospects, at least defensively. I would be on board with them pursuing Yasmani Grandal or J.T. Realmuto this winter. The latter would be my preference but only if the White Sox could acquire him without forfeiting any of their top-5 prospects while also having the flexibility to work out a contract extension with him during any trade talks. That is a long shot but still might be the Marlins best option since it still allows them the possibility to acquire two top-100 prospects or some other intriguing young talent on on the White Sox MLB roster or in their system. If the White Sox fail in those two pursuits they are still in decent shape for the next couple of seasons with Wellington Castillo signed for 2019 along with a team option in 2020. They would still need to acquire a veteran backup this offseason, preferably one that bats left-handed with some defensive acumen.
Finally, the White Sox could still use another arm in their 2019 rotation. They could go big for one of the remaining FA starters, trade for a moderately controllable ace in Noah Syndergaard who has 3 years of arbitration eligible control remaining or settle for a back of the rotation option later this winter. Like with Realmuto, they should not give up the farm for Syndergaard but might still be able to satisfy the Mets with an impacting young MLB player (Moncada?) along with some prospects not in their top-5. I’m still bullish on Moncada long term as the White Sox future third baseman but if they could acquire Syndergaard and sign an impacting player for the hot corner like Machado this winter or Nolan Arenado next offseason what White Sox fan would say no to such a proposition?
Aren’t top 10 picks protected? I don’t think they would lose the number 2 overall.
Top-10 picks are still protected which is why I wrote that the White Sox would forfeit their “#2 pick next June”. This would apply to A.J. Pollock as well as Bryce Harper and Yasmani Grandal who were also extended QO’s by their former teams. Should the White Sox be fortunate enough to land all three, they would relinquish their 2nd, 3rd and 4th round picks along with international bonus pool money. The White Sox #1 pick next June, which is the overall third pick in the Rule 4 Draft following the Orioles and Royals selection, is protected regardless of who they sign this offseason.
I would say hell no to that proposition, unless you can guarantee me Arenado signs here (which you can’t). The only way I’d give up on Moncada already is if they got an equally talented prospect/young MLB player with MANY years of control back.
So, the Sox have traded for Yankees reject Ivan Nova and will consider another former Yankee Manny Banuelos as a fifth starter. Why not just make it a triumvirate and see if Kei Ogawa is interested in coming back to the states? If so the Sox can crown their rotation with a trade for Sonny Gray. Sox should be able to win as many 40 games with that Yankees expat rotation. Considering the rest of the Central, 45 wins could be enough to win the division.
Look at the holes on this team: left field, right field, third base, catcher, starting pitching, relief pitching, DH, and, at least so far, second base. Engel in center is defensively superb and may hit better. Anderson at short is adequate. Castillo is ok, but still a stopgap. Only Abreu is a starter on another team, and his contract expires after next season. Even with Harper in right and Machado at third, the holes would still be numerous. Better to fill them with solid free agents or trade prospects for established players than to splurge on two highly hyped stars who, reputations aside, would still have to produce on the field. If both Machado and Harper sign for an annual average of, say, $35mm each, that money could be better spread among several players to fill more of those holes. Otherwise, it’s Harper, Machado, six untested position prospects, and a sketchy starting pitcher every day.
CF is a gaping hole. Engel is a pile of trash, and that’s putting it nicely. And one of the corners is only a hole for a couple weeks until Eloy comes up.
So you are not buying into the White Sox rebuild which just concluded it’s second season?
The White Sox are following a similar plan that their North Side rivals and the Houston Astros most recently had success with. Did either franchise splurge on FA’s after year two of their respective rebuilds? No!
What makes this offseason unique is the availability of two marquee players who each became FA’s at the age of 26. That did not happen in 2013/2014 offseason with the Cubs or 2014/2015 one with the Astros. As Rick Hahn already pointed out, the White Sox will restrict their bidding on impact FA players to those that fill a long term need in the organization.
It’s clear that Bryce Harper could give them that high OBP/SLG left-handed bat which they have lacked since Jim Thome and don’t currently have an abundance of in the farm system. Manny Machado could give them an elite all-around third baseman which is not a position of strength in the system where their top prospect is Jake Burger who is coming off of two achilles injuries and was already a defensive question mark at the hot corner when they drafted him with their top first round pick back in 2017. Of course, they also appear ready to give Yoan Moncada first crack at becoming their core third baseman as soon as 2019 if Machado passes on their FA bid. If Machado accepts then the White Sox will have a nice problem with depth at both 2B (Nick Madrigal) and at the 3B which gives them even more ammunition for prospective impact trades involving other positions of need.
The White Sox would also consider a long term upgrade via free agency or trade at the catcher position where they lack an elite defender among their top prospects. That is why they are kicking the tires on Yasmani Grandal and J.T. Realmuto this offseason, each of whom are elite defenders and also at an age where they could easily fit into the White Sox long term plans behind the plate, particularly Realmuto who is 27.
The White Sox greatest strength system wide is in RHP pitching and outfielders. That won’t preclude them from being involved in any discussions for a younger top of the rotation southpaw or an ace righty like 26-year old Noah Syndergaard who has 3 years of control remaining and is reportedly available to the highest bidder. Likewise with RF Bryce Harper who would not only give them that lefty power bat but also some major brand recognition that they seem to lack these days locally and nationally.
Btw-Do you really consider LF to be a whole for the White Sox going forward? Are you also not “buying into” top White Sox prospect Eloy Jimenez?
Haters gotta hate. “Oh, well you’re not popular like the [insert team], so you shouldn’t be any good.” LOL. Really? I thought this was baseball, not a popularity contest. We’ve devolved to believing teams with the most attendance should win championships every year. How shallow and stupid is that?
These people will criticize teams like the Chicago White Sox regardless of what they do. That is, until they start winning again, then crickets.
If the White Sox strike out on all their power hitting FA targets, would they look to trade for Edwin Encarnacion? I’m sure the Mariners would send cash if it meant a prospect.