The White Sox have reached an agreement to sign veteran slugger Edwin Encarnacion, according to multiple reports. Dominican reporter Yancen Pujols tweets that the sides have agreed to a one-year, $12MM deal that includes a $1MM signing bonus and $11MM salary, pending a physical. The contract also comes with a $12MM club option, sans buyout, per Joel Sherman of the New York Post (on Twitter).
Encarnacion has been one of the game’s premier hitters since his breakout 2012 season. Though he stepped back a bit in 2018, he rebounded well in the just-completed campaign and proved he’s still capable of top-notch offensive production as he closes in on his 37th birthday.
Through 486 plate appearances over the 2019 season, Encarnacion swatted 34 long balls and slashed a healthy .244/.344/.531. That was about thirty percent above the league-average output at the plate. Encarnacion also spent a fair bit of time in the field, logging 489 innings at first base and grading within range of average with the glove.
For the South Siders, this move represents the latest addition in a busy offseason. Encarnacion will pair with Jose Abreu to form a veteran slugging duo. The latter will presumably take the lion’s share of the action at first base, but both can share the load there to stay fresh.
Whether or not the White Sox will look to keep adding bats isn’t known. The club has been tied to corner outfielders throughout the winter but has already made one move there in acquiring Nomar Mazara. With Abreu and Encarnacion likely to be in the lineup most days, and Eloy Jimenez occupying another corner outfield spot, it’d be surprising to see another high-dollar bat land in Chicago.
That’s all the more true since the White Sox catching situation seems to have some spillover. New addition Yasmani Grandal will likely spend some days at first or in the DH slot to ease his load, which will likely absorb most of the rest days for Encarnacion and Abreu. Backup receiver James McCann now seems all the more expendable, since there won’t be quite as many opportunities to deploy Grandal elsewhere.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Let’s go. Merry Christmas to me.
Merry Christmas to you!!!
If they acquire another first base/DH type player like EE they basically have to trade James McCann, right? I mean… They would be stupid not to. The market for catchers is so high right now and McCann’s value is higher than it ever will be again. McCann has never been great prior to last season but he rode that hot BABIP all the way to a starting nod as the 2019 AL catcher for the All-Star team. He fell off really hard after that but his end of season non-peripherals were still really good for a catcher. With so many catching needy teams and no more catchers to go around some team will trade for him at face value based on the ill thought out assumption he will produce similarly next season. The Reds come to mind as a team that might make the trade since they missed out on Grandal. McCann’s market value is at its absolute peak right now. As the ChiSox roster stands, I don’t see how it’s possible that he even appears in 40 games next season. Not to mention he is only under contract through next season. Right now, the ChiSox could probably get a good prospect or 2 for 1 year of McCann and save the $4.9 million he is owed at the same time. They could use less than half that $ to sign someone like Castro to be Grandal’s backup (maybe even for 2 years) and still better the farm with millions in cash saved. They have to try to do that. Good prospects+multiple years of Castro+ millions of dollars is worth more than 1 season of McCann as an extremely limited backup. Especially considering he has never been good before last season and was terrible for the final month of last season. He is going back to the player he has always been. He won’t even have an opportunity to prove how good/sucky he is with the ChiSox next season. I’m not a White Sox fan but I hope they trade him to get better while they can because they haven’t been good since Ozzie Guillen and this could help stabilize them in the right direction. If they don’t trade him he will just walk away at the end of the season while having produced nothing for the White Sox and now is likely the only time they can convince other teams he may actually be a productive player for them.
There is no reason to trade McCann. The drop-off between McCann and the other in house backup catcher options, Collins and Sevala is significant. He is under team control for 1 more season and is inexpensive, but unless they get a big return, I don’t see it.
. It should also be noted that Giolito praised McCann for his work behind the plate during his breakout season. He will most likely be Giolito’s personal catcher and get 50 to 60 starts backing up Grandal. Even after adding Encarnacion, 2020 payroll will probably be around $125m, which is where White Sox payroll was almost 15 years ago. They should still have some payroll flexibility for minor moves if need be.
Sorry but no one’s going to read a comment that’s longer than the article
Oh my god there is no way James McCann deserves that many words. He’s just a dude. 1 year to go. Mid 30’s. Whatever. Nobody is trading anything of value for him just keep him and stop talking about it.
Sorry that was meant for stand up guy not Jeff Todd.
That’s the problem, ncaa. You are wrong. Multiple teams would trade something of value for a catcher in this market. Plenty of teams need catchers and there are none to go around. Travis dArnaud got $16 million dollars for godssake and he got released by multiple teams LAST SEASON. Zunino got close to what McCann is earning and he is flat out terrible offensively (a .100 something hitter). McCann was the starting catcher for the American League All Star team last season and finished the year with a .280+ batting average. One of these many catcher needy teams would love to have McCann as their starting catcher going into next season compared to their in house options. $4.9 mill is nothing for a starter but way to much for a backup that is blocked at 1st base, DH, and by one of the best catchers in the league. I think that now (and possibly only now) McCann has significantly more value on the open market than someone like Castro. I’m not saying the ChiSox should trade McCann and go in house. I’m saying they should take advantage of the fact that the Grandal signing allowed them to corner the market and they should start gouging for whatever they can get. Then, use half the money they save to sign Castro. Teams like the Reds would love to sell their fan base on the idea that they just acquired a defending All Star starter as their main catcher for next season. ChiSox brass should take advantage of that… If they were smart.
Especially without any paragraphs. Whew!!
No, they wont McCann was non-tendered just a year ago. That means the Tigers literally gave him away and any team in the majors can see the underlying stats from last season. They can maybe just a lottery ticket single A guy for him.
Did you get a new snazzy keyboard for Christmas or do you just talk too much?
Hey, IF they trade McCann, I think it would be prudent for the Yankees to pursue him as a backup to Sanchez. He would get 40-60 games per year and he is a solid catcher with good production.
I’d like your opinion…. who would ChiSox accept in a trade deal for McCann, who is evidently better than both Higgy and Kratz. Come on guys, be realistic!
McCann isn’t bringing much back
You mean like Freddy Peralta was. Your absolutely right
Tl;dr
That’s a very good point. They do have quite a bit of leverage with McCann backing up Grandal. They could theoretically do so, I’d just see them doing it maybe midsession perhaps? Williams and Hahn already stated their desire to keep McCann and that he has a place on the team. It was his work ethic and leadership behind the plate which contributed to Giolito’s success as well as other pitchers he caught. The way I see it is that with Encarnación in the mix, with Abreu and Grandal, there will be a heavy rotation in the DH slot between the 3 of them. It will keep everyone fresh especially considering Abreu and Encarnación are in their 30’s. Defense goes down and injuries start to pop up more often. That will give McCann starts behind the plate anytime Grandal gets a day off or DH’s.
Mid-season not session.
I did. 😮
Exactly the guy who wrote that comment has way to much time on his hands and nobody cares what he thinks
A solid middle reliever should do it.
hahahahahahha
True, because even though Higashioka does have some pop and is actually a competent fielder, unlike Sanchez, he can’t hit nor can he can get on base.
No one is going to be fooled into giving up much for McCann
Pirates would give you a meaningless prospect and start McCann.
There argument over. He could start for a terrible team yet net minimal return.
I did.
This dude really has a hard on for james McCann
can’t be true if you’re commenting about him.
Definitely deal McCann if there’s any who believes he’s half as good as his 2019.
Nice
Do what?? He’ll bring back a decent mlb player & or a lower level prospect.
You keep mentioning McCann starting the All-Star Game, but he didn’t, Sanchez did.
You are probably right. McCann may have not been the starter but he was definitely an All-Star. In this market where sub-.200 hitters like Zunino get $4 million a year and guys like Travis dArnaud can get released by both the Mets and the Dodgers in the same season then still get paid $16 million, and All-Star catcher has value. A lot of teams need a starting catcher and you could do a lot worse than putting a defending All-Star at that position. In fact, in this market, it’s pretty much impossible to do better.
Someone got their first Baseball Prospectus, and now fashions themself a front office staff member. Shaving is next!
You mean 1/2 of his 2019 season, 2nd half of season Mc Cann regressed to the norm with his OPS going from .873 to .695. I don’t see him having much value until the trade deadline, and even then the Sox may not move him because of his work with Giolito.
Hey curmudgeon, its been pointed out many times on these comment boards but since you did not get the memo here goes: James McCann had one bad offensive month in July last season, not a poor 2nd half.
So now they are very very very close?!
No
They’ll still underachieve because of their pitching. Not starters, bullpen. But please proceed to how I’m a Cubs fan (I’m not) and trash that team.
You’re absolutely right actually. At present time, their bullpen is their weakness. But, luckily there’s still lots of time and money left to address it AND the easiest position to address in season is the bullpen (I’m not talking about elite closers but very reliable guys like Doolittle and Hudson have been traded recently).
Actually – they were about league average last year, and with even a decent bounce back from Herrera (which he showed a bit in September) they have the potential to be pretty good. I wouldn’t mind adding here, but it’s not a huge weakness. Bummer could easily take over the closer position (he won’t yet), with Colome and Herrera setting up, Marshall is solid and Cordero and Fry have great stuff. But again – I’m not going to complain if they add another great RP.
Completely agree. I think they have a solid bullpen right now but they’re one injury or negative regression away from Being bad. And Colome scares me the most as his advanced stats last year showed a lot of good luck that’s bound to change in 2020.
Ha ha you know it
Bullpen isn’t the biggest problem the Sox have. It’s defense. It’s the high strikeout, low walk lineup. It’s poor baserunning. It’s reliable starting pitching. It’s all the regression candidates. This team is still not ready to contend as constructed, but hey, get excited everyone. Just don’t be surprised if climbing out of that hole is harder than it looks.
What would you rather they do Avory, toil in misery? Give 1 reason why Sox fans SHOULDNT be excited? Its weird comments like these ill just never understand…..
Sox have been killin it this offseason; kudos for them for opening up the wallet and trying when you got slugs (like my Dodgers) who sit around and wait on scraps-
None of these contracts restrict them in future years dearly, whats your gripe man….is it your money they are spending?
@Avory, not sure what you’d be saying if the Sox quit trying after failing to sign Wheeler. Your comment tells me you’re just a negative person who likes to just drop a turd within comment sections every so often. Thanks for stopping by.
Not really. My comment is simply that the core issues of the Sox remain and I regard many of their signings as ill-advised. I don’t get excited by the approach of trying to jump start a young team by injecting high priced free agent veterans into the mix, especially when they get a guy like Encarnacion. That’s a head-scratcher. Just not much a fan of wasting money that way. But hey, if you’re excited, fine. I like the Sox because they’re a charter member of the American League, like my team, and I feel a bit of kinship in certain ways. We’re both red-headed stepchildren in our respective cities.
I just don’t think the Sox have moved the needle much this winter. The progress on their team is mainly going to rest on the arms of Carlos Rondon and Dylan Cease, whether or not Moncada and Jimenez take the next step forward; if Tim Anderson can avoid regression (I kinda doubt it), whether Abreu and Colome can be the contributors they were last year (again, I’m skeptical). I think there are as many forces that will move against the Sox as will carry them forward. But we shall see!
Okay – some silly stuff here but not all crazy. First, it is possible that Colome regresses (I am less convinced than others – his cutter takes the ball off the barrel, so while he doesn’t strike out as many, hurting his FIP, he gets people out) and probably that Tim Anderson will not hit .335 again. Moncada doesn’t need to ‘take the next step’, as he was sensational last year already. Jimenez will hit .280 with 40 HRs this year.
But the improvements in some of the other places are just so huge it’s impossible to not get excited.
WAR by position in 2019:
-2.6 at SP WITH Giolito (removed Detwiler, Covey, Nova and Despaigne and replaced with Kopech, Gio Gonzalez and Keuchel).
-6.3 in OF – replaced Engel, Palka, Cordell, etc., with Luis Robert and Mazara.
-2.5 at DH – replaced Yonder Alonso who was horrible with Encarnacion.
And of course – catcher was decent (0.8) but will be hugely improved by adding Grandal.
Get all of the above to just 0 and add a great catcher, and that could be 12-15 wins bringing the Sox to high 80s in wins. Some great performances from any of these (or Madrigal, or Lopez figuring it out, etc) and they could approaching something real.
Your Dodgers are loaded and favored to win the pennant . You have been to 2 straight World Series and had best record in NL last year . What more do you want /need? If I were a Dodgers fan I’d be excited . Can’t have Mantle at every position and 5 Bob Gibson’s
EE is not high priced for 30 hrs and an .850 OPs. Abreu? That’s another story. But when the team got league-worst production from the DH in 2019, it’s a low-risk high-upside signing that improves the team even if he loses his pinky finger in an industrial accident during the season.
And people love parrots.
2 straight world series huh? Hmm you sure about that? I want the front office to stop dressing up in ladies clothing behind closed doors Mikel for starters
Very
MLB is doing a very nice job marketing “The New Baseball” with a handful of good teams willing to answer the call. 2020’s Field of Dreams Game is being held in rural Iowa, not even sure what the seating capacity is, but the first ever – White Sox vs. Yankees. Two classy and very exciting teams.
Encarnacion is a highly intimidating player, having come over from NYY makes for additional story lines when they meet in the cornfield.
Rallyshirt
“Encarnacion is a highly intimidating player, having come over from NYY makes for additional story lines when they meet in the cornfield.”
EE mashed 34 HRs in 418 ABs last year. That’s one HR per 12.3 ABs. Wish the Yanks had room to bring him back. You’re right. The Field of Dreams game should be a great moment.
I’m really glad they signed EE. That means they can’t get Castellanos.
EE reminds me a lot of a washed up Alonso last offseason.
EE was extremely disappointing for the Yanquis in the playoffs. Lineup should’ve been devastating, yet EE was an easy out
He was disappointing in the ALCS. He was good in the ALDS. Can’t judge him on 18 ABs
Good pick up. Edwin’s a stand up player.
You’re going to get Stand Up Guy started again….wink…
Watch out Yankees here come the White Sox!
The White Sox might be sneaky good in 2020
As a Cards fan, I agree with you
I also think the Sox will rock!
Nobody cares whet you think
except the guy who posts after him
As a Real Madrid fan id have to agree
As an Atletico fan, I’d have to disagree.
Cardinals are going to be suprisingly bad. Got so lucky lady year.
– Houston Dynamo fan
I hate to admit it as a Cubs fan but they are going to make some noise in the A.L. Central.
Nah they won’t. They’ll make some noise then drop off in mid july. Finish ahead of KC
Nah they won’t.
80 wins for sure. 85 possibly. They’re improving.
Yup. Baby steps
I remember a similar conversation last year.
Point is, ChiSox love past prime guys who look good on paper.
Grandal, EE and Kuechel are great examples
Hahn coming with the Sox holiday presents!!!
Hahn coming with the Sox holiday presents!!
Why are you less excited now versus the first time?
This Sox lineup is gonna do some damage to whichever baseballs they use this year!
You have to be able to hit the fkn thing first.
Sox wanted their adam dunn 2.0 and just got him. Enjoy the bombs, strikeouts, and .225 average.
Mr. Scrooge? Is that you?
No, Scrooge owns the Twins.
guy has had on OPS+ well over 100 the last 10 years. he might not be a high average guy but definitely a good hitter still. go troll somewhere else
You still wont make the postseason. Glad we at least agree on that.
Yankee or Cub fan?
who cares????
im not saying they will make the postseason. I just think your comment is wrong. there is a chance he will struggle but Dunn got what, a 4 year deal, foods is a cheap 1 year deal. they aren’t even similar hitters.
it’s nice to see a team being aggressive to try to make the postseason instead of cutting salary. im normally a twins/Indians fan from that division but this year I might pull for the white sox. refreshing to see a team want to win.
I’m not really sure why people have to go on every thread and slam teams that are actually trying to do something. Every thread there is always some ignoramus who writes:. “So What, they are still going to lose..” It’s old and doesn’t do anything to further the conversation.
E.E. had an OPS+ of 132 last year, and that’s with an injury. The guy can hit. Any team that has a spot in their lineup would be lucky to have him.
I’ve very happy the White Sox are trying to win. Good for them.
White Sox are every bit as good as the Twins and Indians as currently constructed.
Um….Anthony….you might want to check out the current Vegas odds…Tribe 20-1 to win the World Series. Twins 25-1. White Sox 60-1.
Those are the professionals setting those lines. Completely dispassionate. The Sox really aren’t close yet “as currently constructed.”
But hope springs eternal.
Lmao what a joke
@Avory I just checked Vegas Insider and the current WS odds are 25-1 for both Cleveland and Minnesota and the White Sox at 40-1. It seems that Vegas likes the EE signing.
Also, at the beginning of 2019 the WS odds were Cleveland 14-1 and Minnesota 45-1. Those completely dispassionate professionals aren’t always spot on.
Yeah and the Rockets were favored by Vegas oddsmakers over Golden State by how much yesterday?? Do me a favor. Look at that Twins rotation and tell me how good it is.
I’ve said it on multiple forums and I stand by it…. WSox are going to be better than people think. Hate on them all you want, but they just got a dangerous hitter who provides their top of the lineup guys with protection and he’s got serious pop. Yeah, his average will be low and he may strike out more than he should, but he will crush a ball that misses its spot and not choke in big moments, most of the time.
ChiSox are dangerous and aggressively making moves. This is great to see in today’s game and as a Yanks fan I appreciate other teams going after it. Good job Sox, keep it going.
You have no idea what you’re talking about. Look at his career numbers. He’s nowhere close to the one dimensional Adam Dunn. Not even close.
Not talking about his career, but who he is right now.
Right now he’s a guy about to sign a 12million dollar contract and your whining in your basement.
A quick trigger to anger is associated with lower intelligence. The malapropism is additional evidence. Let’s see if I can string you along with more angry comments.
Edit: like clockwork, you oblige lmao
ah, so you’re intelligent because you take a lot of words to communicate your ravings?
Slugging, obp all in line with career numbers.. plus if he really stinks sox have plenty to rotate through dh. Not like it’s a darvish deal lol.. not much risk.. in this town at least the sox are doing something…cubs have a new network and highest ticket prices and huge payroll problems and terrible farm. In regards to the post season time will tell. The Indians are looking blah esp with future trades looming.. Twins have major rotation issues they can’t hit their way out of. It isn’t like people are hot on the sox for nothing.. no one has been since 06’ really. Being negative on everyone’s comments is a little petty esp on Christmas. Also people who comment on others intelligence usually have some type of neurodevelopmental disorder they try to deflect on others. Maybe you should come to my office for a free consultation. Sounds like you need a tranquilizer to calm down.. like some OG.. lol it’s only a signing for a team you obviously don’t like.
Yes, your evil plan is working. You must be so proud. What a fun and productive way to spend another evening in grandma’s basement
Hey 8man, anyone every tell you you’re a complete moron?
Indians looking “blah”? Heck, they are in better shape heading into 2020 than they were last year, and last year they won 21 more games than the White Sox. Tribe remains the favorite in the division according to Vegas, with a three times greater likelihood of winning the World Series than the White Sox. Sox are coming, no doubt, but their progress rests on the kids, not these fluff signings (with the exception of Grandal, hard to knock that, except giving so much money to a catcher in his 30’s).
Trolling = jealousy and or insecurity.
Dunn wasn’t one dimensional lol. Guy’s walk rate was legendary and he had several seasons of +130 wRC+. And without playing in the absolute launching pad of Skydome/Rogers
He’d be a superhero playing in today’s game – which is a big reason today’s game is boring.
We don’t need your negativity on Christmas Day. He a lifetime .262 hitter.
Lifetime. Now look at the past few years, downtrend is clear. He’ll be 37 next season.
Oh no, a downtrend! Of course there’s one, he’s 37. But that doesn’t make him worthless. He was 32% better than the avg hitter last year and would be a huge improvement on the Sox’woeful DH production from last year.
You mean his .888 OPS in Seattle last year? You mean when he was leading the AL in HRs before he was injured?
Where is there any data to support your claim?
@8ManLineup: In my head, dude. I know things.
They know what they’re getting. Clearly that’s what they want. As a Redsox fan who has watched E.E. mash bomb after bomb over the years against us I can honestly say that it’s definitely not the strikeouts that come to mind when I hear his name.
Do you even watch baseball? You have no clue what your talking about! He’s only struck over 100 times 5 times in his career, which is great in this day and age. Maybe check that stats before making crap up.
Actually 6 times in his career and every year for the last 5.
Actually it’s 5 total and 4 in a row do some research bro
Sorry my bad
Adam Dunn is a dull-witted comparison for many reasons. Less of a muttonhead might compare him to Paul Konerko, but making such pointless comparisons at all is a pointless thing to do in the first place because they are irrelevant.
Ummmm…If only Dunn batted .225!
This comment is as baseless as implementing an 8 man lineup. (MLB will eventually insert the DH into the National League and destroy the most strategic part of baseball)
EE struck out at right on league average rate last year, was a mere .08 point below the league BA (while more than 20 points above the league OBP), and significantly above average power.
You’re completely wrong – but, you already know that. Well, at least I hope you do, otherwise you’re thicker than I thought.
Not even close
This comment is about as dumb as suggesting an 8 man lineup with no DH and no pitcher.
Rick Hahn’s wife right now: “Honey, you aren’t working are you?”
Hey Ricky stop playing with your phone and join your family for dinner
nice deal
Typical cub fan, miserable, ignorant, and hates to hate
“Hates to hate” darn, the stupid came out when you’re trying to act smart
Yes you are right on there talking about cub fans
ENCARNACION. ENCARNACIOHOOOOOOHOOOON!
Nacho Libre FTW!
I guess this means Castellanos just lost a suitor.
Looks like Mazara will platoon with Garcia/Engel. Both hit .300+ against lefties this season.
a winning record in 2020….you don’t say? I’ll take it!
Would have enjoyed seeing EE back in Toronto, but Chicago made a great addition to a young club. Sox should grab Castellanos, too.
Yeah. It would have been fun nostalgically, but I am kinda glad they have the DH spot to cycle some people thru.
Not bringing in EE might make the difference in keeping a guy like Alford, or getting Rowdy more AB’s.
EE is also due for a regression at age 37.
Encarnacion we have him but his getting injured easy now
Missing out on Machado might end up being the best thing to happen to the franchise since signing the late great Magglio Ordonez.
“late great Magglio Ordonez”
lol he isnt dead. you only call people “the late” if theyre dead
Oh wee whoa. Magglio
Killed when he went to the Detroit.
*Killed me.
Hahn just keeps giving us presents! Go sox! Can’t wait for the season to start
His old and get injured fast
Learn how to read and write English!
great move for the white sox, a power hitter who KILLS boston whenever he plays us, who damn, i wish signed him, a power hitting 1st baseman. The south sides gonna be really improved and i see them getting atleast a wildcard, im not a white sox fan, but between the catcher and the rotation and now Edwin, they are going to hit the ground running and be MUCH better, esp if kopech is healthy during the second half
So the White Sox are going to be that team this year that wins the offseason but doesn’t do much in the regular season? For the record, since CLE isn’t trying they have a legit chance at the division.
Where are your facts?
Nobody thinks this team contends for a championship in ‘20. But they certainly can win the division if the young pitchers improve over last year. There’s too much talent and hitting for them not to improve on 72 wins last year with replacement level players.
Ha… how… how did you manage to say two completely different things within two sentences?
This makes White Sox a better team with another veteran bat in middle of order. I do think he’s only worth $8-9 million and would’ve rather spent $12-14/year for 4-5 years on Castellanos.
Short-term contract gives them flexibility, with Vaughn being prepped to replace Abreu, who most likely becomes the DH in ‘21.
Looks like a done deal per this local blog that includes more sources: soxon35th.com/white-sox-and-free-agent-edwin-encar…
Never count out Cleveland
I’ll count them out right now lol
hard not to when their ownership does
Oh, you guys are a hoot. Catch the latest Vegas odds? Cleveland the favorites in the division, Sox well behind. Dispassionate professionals set those lines based on reality, not hopes and dreams.
If you think spending money is “trying,” boy you’ll find out something different this summer.
So according to you, it doesn’t matter what the Sox do because, “Vegas odds”. You’re a dope.
Odds don’t necessarily predict winners. It’s just a reflection of how people are betting their wallet.
Vegas can’t keep up with Hahn anyway.
Sox were probably 100:1 and headed to 3:5 odds by Opening Day.
The White Sox are going to be the 2014 Mariners.
Or last years Twins. End result probably somewhere in between.
It’s a done deal
Hate this. This coming season should be another development year. Still questions with Collins, Robert, Madrigal, Cease, Kopeck. All these guys need time to develop (and struggle) the real window is 21-25.
It’s a one year deal. EE is still a professional hitter. I’m anxious to see Collins develop too. The move I don’t like is the Abreu 3yr. deal. I love Abreu but I think the three year deal take away a valuable spot to develop Vaughn or Collins. Madrigal and Robert are unaffected by this signing. The last move I’d be looking for is to try to lock up Robert on a long extension and close shop for now. I’d like Castellanos but he’s another plodding type that would along with Abreu take away a spot for the kids. Plus we already have one butcher in the OF. Overall great signing Hahn.
I think “win one for Abreu” will be the rallying cry for this competitive window because otherwise yes, 3 years was too long an extension.
I agree and I’d like to see him stay on with the club in a coaching position too. I know they have a plan for the kids. Vaughn and hopefully Collins will be too loud to ignore. I just hope they don’t plan on dealing Collins because they signed Abreu for three years.
3 years was too long, but he can still hit. This isn’t Pujols, Hosmer or Chris Davis where he is hurting the team by being in the lineup.
Plodding type? He’s 27!
He’s 27, but rated as one of the worst defenders in all of baseball. Not to mention that they also have Eloy Jimenez in left.
Abreu?? He’s 32. Either way he’s station to station at 32. Kinda proves my point.
Abreu hit a lot of doubles last season. He can still move!
I think of Jose Abreu as Frank Thomas with better clubhouse leadership skills. In 2005, Jerry Reinsdorf’s White Sox paid Thomas $8M (2nd highest annual salary in his career) for 34 games. Point being that the Sox can pay Abreu $16M in 2021 and $18M in 2022 even if he’s just a part-timer on the field but while still remaining a strong clubhouse presence.
Eases the pressure of the kids. And not having to give up a pick (at least so far) allows development to continue. But you are correct ma’am- ultimate success rests with how the kids emerge/develop
Who’s development is he stunning?
Collins should not be on the roster, as he needs reps at catcher, and the jury is still out on Mercedes, who is really only a DH.
Unless you love Mercedes, he’s not taking away reps from anyone who couldn’t use more work in AAA.
Collins deserves to be on the roster, but I don’t think 1 season of Encarnacion is going to destroy him. Collins made his MLB debut in 2019 and was awful. The White Sox sent him down and told him to be more aggressive and do a better job covering the outer half of the plate. Over 130 AB’s after his demotion, Collins hit .323/.441/.631 and 170 wRC+. He was called back up for the final month and hit .233/.343/.417 and 102 wRC+. Small sample sizes and all, but it is a vast improvement over his initial 31 PA’s where he hit .077/.226/..192 and 21 wRC+.
I don’t think he will ever be a good catcher. He will have to hit, kind of like Narvaez, who is an awful catcher, but continues to find work because of his bat. Grandal is the catcher for the next several seasons and with the expansion to a 26 man roster, Collins could find himself as a 3rd catcher, 1B/DH on the White Sox or another team.
Excellent post Anthony.
.282/.403/.548 in AAA last year. Yeah he could use more seasoning in AAA but if he repeats or improves upon those numbers he deserves a long look in the bigs. Mercedes is not a prospect. And I like the thought of Collins at catcher but anything I’ve seen you’d be fooling yourself to think he’s going to stick there.
@ richard dangler
Now there’s a realist.
I had believed he would end up with Tampa but at a cost much less than 12 million. Not surprised that someone would sign him and he can still help a team, just surprised by the money.
I’m just here for the salty Cub fans LOL
You want salty, read a Cubs rumor
Got a feeling they’re still in on Castellanos
Surrounding players like Jimenez, Moncada and Robert with Abreu, Grandal and Encarnación with make a big impact.
So do they Trade Mccan or Collins now?
Maybe the Rangers can snag a catcher from them lol
They have 3 good mlb catchers, a new full time DH in Encarnacion and Abreu at first.
I would think they would trade of the two.
I think McCann and his $5mil is trade bait. Collins is cheap and left handed so he stays.
I have to agree. The Rangers should go after Mccan if they can’t sign Chirinos. If they can get Chirinos on a one year deal I’d rather do that. Then maybe look at Mccan on the free agent market next off season
If I’m Mccan I’m begging for a trade since this is his last season before free agency. He will want to put up some numbers and get his crack at a good contract
I would put my money on the Rangers inking Castro or Chirinos before trading for McCann. Plenty of teams could trade for him: Astros, Angels, Royals, Red Sox, Rays, Rockies, Giants, Brewers and Pirates. Angels and Pirates probably the only teams that would be willing to look at him as a starter, and even then, ChiSox have to wait for other dominoes to fall first.
McCann isn’t going anywhere.
This will give time for Collins to work on his catching in AAA can come up as backup next season.
Collins has little value unless he can stick behind plate.
Sucks for him. From ALCS to 4th place
Or not
4th place? He signed with the cubs?
I’m just all about these comments today.
There are quite a few bitter Cub fans that are trying to come to grips with budget limitations and the dynasty that never was. I have talked to many over the last few days here in Chicago.
Bitter Cub fans? No need for redundancy.
Seems good to me. Still wish they’d added someone to pitch between Giolito and Keuchel, but maybe Kopech or Cease turns into that guy. And EE adds a real bat without committing multiple years to someone like Castellanos. It’s about time watching this team got fun again.
Wow. Who are these posters that don’t see this as an upgrade? Did you people watch a white sox game last year? Did you watch any baseball???
How could anyone not like signing a guy to a one year deal who just put up 34 homer runs with an .875 OPS and a 132 OPS+. He was 32% better than the average hitter last year.
The White Sox will have a pretty scary line up next year.
It’s Official.
White Sox Opening Day batting order:
1. Robert
2. Anderson
3. Moncada
4. Abreu
5. Jimenez
6. Encarnacion
7. Grandal
8. Mazara
9. Mendick (?)
Lehgooooo!
Brock Holt might be a nice answer to your question mark.
The only question I have with this is why is Robert up in your lineup but Madrigal not?
My guess is because of the 8-9 year extension talks that have whispered about for Robert.
Yeah, the rumor is Robert breaks camp with the big league club. Madrigal could be an April call up.
Robert has no incentive to sign that deal until Hahn adds more zeros.
He’s already a multimillionaire.
Kris Bryant could very likely win his manipulation case.
Robert would be in stronger position given he’s being blocked by nothing more than a weak platoon, on a team that has loaded up for a run, with a track record of blatant manipulation.
More like…
1. Moncada
2. Grandal or Anderson
3. Abreu
4. Encarnacion
5. Eloy
6. Anderson or Grandal
7. Mazara
8. Robert (if he’s on ODR)
9. Leury (until Madrigal is called up).
*It’s possible Grandal will bat fifth to break up the string of right-handed bats in the middle of the order.
Here’s what I see as the lineup by May 1.. Moncada at leadoff ….reminiscent of Tim Raines. albeit a lower OB% but more power. Robert at #2 – power and speed. plus he should see a ton of good pitches there. Grandal at #4 with his solid OB%. In front of Jimenez with big power Encarnacion behind Eloy. Mazara and Anderson could flip-flop in the order. but I like the lefty/righty balance throughout the lineup.. No pressure on Madrigal – play solid D, hit line drives, get on base and score a ton of runs.
1. Moncada
2. Robert
3. Abreu
4. Grandal
5. Jimenez
6. Encarnacion
7. Mazara
8. Anderson
9. Madrigal
Opening Day
Moncada
Grandal
EE
Abreu
Jimenez
Mazara
Anderson
Garcia
Engel
June
Madrigal
Grandal
Abreu
Moncada
EE
Mazara
Jimenez
Robert
Anderson
Robert will never have high enough OBP to warrant top batting order, at least not until he works out any struggles.
So you have the two fastest hitters on the team batting 8th and 9th? Gonna miss out on a lot of runs that way. You need table setters interspersed with the run producers. And Moncada batting first is a complete waste.
No. I have the two players most likely to post low OBP at the bottom of the order.
What year is it again? Why is this such an issue, especially when you can have Abreu, EE and Jimenez 345, hitting in guys who get on base the most?
And couldn’t Moncada just hit in Anderson and Robert when the order turns over? What difference does it make if he is doing that from the 1 hole or the four hole?
You’re obsessed with OBP. You don’t need every hitter to get on base at an above average percentage—it would be nice, but it’s unrealistic. I don’t get why you’re so down on Anderson (batting title) and Robert (potentially the most talented and versatile player in the lineup). Both possess power and speed, and need to hit higher in the order so they can score more runs. Putting all the station-to-station hitters gums up the bases and limits RBIs.
Yes. I am.
It has been know since forever that stringing together guys getting on base is the best way to score runs. Not speed.
Tim Anderson led the ML in average, yet didn’t even rank in the top 40 in OBP. If he bats 20 points lower in 2020, his OBP will be at 333, which is rather pedestrian. If he hits 300, it will be in the 315-320 range.
Robert doesn’t walk either, and it’s more than reasonable to think he will struggle his first season. If he does, his OBP will be under 300.
It just makes no sense to have the guys who bat the most be two players who, other than Mazara, could get on base the least next season.
And again, all you are doing is having them bat less. They can still hit for power, and steal bases at the back end of the order, and Moncada, who BTW can also run, will be right there to hit them in.
It’s basic common sense.
I stopped reading at your opening statement. Sorry, but you’re wrong. The 2005 White Sox dominated the league with speed and timely hitting. Maybe you’ve forgotten.
White Sox offense was 9 out of 14 teams in runs in 05. Why? They where also in the bottom third of overall OBP. The reason they won was because they hit 200 home runs, and were third in run prevention, die to a solid rotation and light-out bullpen.
Sorry, but I prefer having guys on base for three-run bombs. So does every analytics expert, which is why this is a lame argument.
Even Fangraph has Moncada as leadoff.
was fun to watch in the beginning of the year in seattle last year did a very good job at first base and let the parrot fly.
Good going Sox’s. Wish we had baseball in Detroit.
First unnecessary, ill-fitting FA signing. Plenty of decent hitters that can DH on roster and as President of the Yermin Mercedes fan club, would’ve been better off unleashing him for peanuts.
It’s a 1 year contract.
EE is significantly better than any other internal option.
Paxton for McCann sounds like a better plan. McCann is way more valuable to the Sox than he is a trade chip. Hoping for similar offensive production as last yr & not a regression to his career mean stats.
Would LOVE for Mercedes to be at least a solid MLB contributor but he’ll be 27 in Feb and has yet to see the Majors… you’re complaining about that guy not getting a shot?
If he didn’t crack the MLB lineup with the garbage they had at DH last year, I think there’s a reason.
The reason Mercedes didn’t get called up in Sept was a tactical mistake by management. They thought enough later to put him on the 40 man to prevent losing him in the Rule 5 draft (how they got him couple years ago). Very good hitting late bloomer with no ideal position. Politics also play a role with Collins being a 1st round pick.
Wish nothing but great results for EE, but missing fair bit of games last year goes along with getting old.
White Sox are looking under the radar for 2020
Sox grabbing all these individual players was the right move instead of spending 9 figures on one guy. Look at the Angels. They got Rendon and they couldn’t grab any pitchers. Sox payroll is now projecting 124 million. Still haven’t reached their highest ever.
Great offseason for the Sox.
Congrats Sox fans
They will definitely be more fun to watch this coming season than anytime recently.
Twins better look out… a couple more acquisitions and Chicago’s gonna be primed to give them some trouble next year.
They already added 5 guys to the major league roster
IF Cleveland deals Lindor and Clevinger this division is wide open again. Even though I think the White Sox are a season too early on all these moves; I can’t blame them for the attempt. Cleveland seems to be more interested in saving the cash and keeping the competitive window open longer rather than really going for a title this season. The Twins certainly don’t look unbeatable. With a little luck, the ChiSox could be In the thick of things.
Yeah he sucks with his .344 OBP 34 HRs 132 OPS+ and a 2.7 bWAR
In only 418 ABs. That’s 1 HR every 12.3 AB’s. Still mashing.
Meh.
Not a long-term solution, but better than any current options.
Also brings much-needed OBP skill.
This should mean Collins stays in AAA to work on catching.
This shouldn’t rule out a run at Puig, either. Mazara is still overrated and a butcher in RF.
I understand the bullpen concern, but my non-Sox fan perspective is that it’s an average pen, with a pretty decent closer. If you’re talking championship, then yeah, this pen probably won’t cut it. But overall, this team has enough to make a postseason push.
They’re probably better than Cleveland now. And while I can’t declare they’re better than Minnesota yet, they appear to be constructed pretty similarly—lots of offensive firepower, decent starting pitching, and an average bullpen. If anything, I’d say the Sox have a better overall pitching staff now, with a comparable offense (that has potential to be better with progressions from Eloy and Moncada, along with the anticipated production of Robert and Madrigal.)
It’s not always easy for a team with this many new additions to gel right away, but I’m impressed by what I see.
Why does everyone treat Minnesota like the ‘27 Yankees? They won 78 games in 2018. There were three teams tanking in the division when they won 100+ in 2019. They don’t pitch or field particularly well. They really just hit a lot of HRs off of really bad pitching. The Sox have the talent to surpass the Twins, I guess people need to see it before they admit it.
Or, it has to happen before people declare it. The Twins are not the ‘27 Yankees, but they did win 101 games last year and set the single-season HR record. It’s not that they’re an amazing team. It’s that they were the best team in the AL Central in 2019 while doing some things really well (like scoring more runs than they gave up); they haven’t really regressed this offseason; and until they start playing games again, there’s no way to determine whether the Sox have surpassed them.
Your description of the Twins may very well fit the Sox in 2020, particularly considering that the Eloy/Mazara combo at the outfield corners leaves a bit to be desired defensively, the Sox will hit a lot of home runs, and we don’t know how well they will pitch. However, I’d argue that Minnesota pitched reasonably well last year (5th in ERA in the AL last year, 2nd in the division) and that the Sox probably will follow suit in ‘20.
There’s a good chance that these two teams will spend next September battling for the division title, while Cleveland fades from the picture, and the Royals and Tigers keep feeding wins to the Sox and Twins.
You’re glossing over a lot of details. Giolito got Cy Young votes last year. He’s an elite starter. The Twins don’t have that. Cease and Kopech have elite stuff as well. The Sox overall will be healthier, deeper, and far more talented than last season as well. The presence of Grandal behind the plate, and veteran pitchers like Keuchel and Gonzalez should help with the development of Kopech, Cease and Lopez. No sense arguing about it though. It’s going to be fun watching these guys go about their business of earning respect this season. I hope they play with a chip on their shoulder. I want to see Anderson throwing bats and giving the Twins haka death stares. lol
Hey, maybe there could be a Yankees – ChiSox swap of Happ for McCann? Both teams get depth at positions where the depth piece can provide tangible and intangible benefits. Thoughts?
@ moonlight graham
I don’t know what you’re reading–probably the silly, lazy national reporting–but not only is Cleveland better than last year at this time, but Vegas recognizes it. Tribe is favored to win the division narrowly over Minnesota with the Sox comfortably behind.
I realize it’s wishful thinking that Cleveland go away, but underestimate them at your own peril. They are good, and will continue to be good. They don’t nearly have as many question marks as the Sox.
Alright Avory. The Tribe were heavy favorites last year so that’s simply not true. You think that they’re better than last year at this time. Vegas doesn’t. If Lindor and Clevinger are really traded; the Indians are not even close to the favorites. And that’s not a crazy thought anymore.
I would never underestimate the Indians though. As it stands today I believe they have the best team in the AL central. However if the rumors are true; that team is not going to be the best in 2020. Even if it’s Lux and May coming back.
No need to worry the Twins front office is waiting for someone to open the barn door so they can step on the neck of the opposition before they do any real upgrades… Mediocre is their motto… I now have the White sox with more wins than the Twins next season…..
LOVE this move because it’s so low risk. Offense will be much better even if Timmy regresses a little. Kopech is the key though. If he can be a front of the rotation pitcher then we’re in good shape.
good offseason, still need a bullpen arm (or 2)
Flashes of Nelson Cruz.
Somebody pinch me. Finally comments made without anyone bringing up the AL L.A. team!
EE is a true professional hitter. He will help make your team better from day 1. I enjoyed watching Donaldson, Bautista, and EE go 2-3-4 in the Jays lineup. Truly fun to watch. The White Sox look relevant again.
Jake Burger to be traded to the Cubs for KB.
Watch it happen.
Moncada back to 2B and Madrigal gets a little more seasoning in AAA.
White Sox win 2020 World Series
JR will enjoy rest of his life with a big smile on his face!
Cubs will then be able to pay their gas and electric bills.
Twins. Indians. White Sox
Berrios. Bieber. Giolito
Odorizzi. Clevinger. Dallas
Gibson Carrasco. Godon
???? Civale. Kopech
???? Plesac. Lopez
C
Garber. Perez. Grandal
1st
M Gonzalez. Santana. Abreu
2nd
Arraez. Freeman. Garcia
SS
Polanco. Lindor. Anderson
3rd
Sano. Rameriz. Moncada
OF
Rosario. Franmil. Eloy
Kepler. Mercado. Maraza
Buxton. Luplow. Angle
DH
Cruz. Bauer. EE
Prospects
Gordon. Bradley. Robert
Royce. L Allen. Madrigal
Graterol. Jones. Cease
RP
May. Hand. Colome
I think it’s pretty wide open still.. I’m not a fan of any of these teams , but there isnt a significant difference between them,, i still lean to Indians , they didnt have Kluber last yr so him being traded away isn’t much of a factor,, Rameriz had a terrible year,, but if they hold onto Clevinger, beiber, and Carrasco thats the best 1-3 rotation of the group ,, line up wise prolly goes to Twins.. White Sox have the youth movement,, think EE signing is to Take a step forward to show next yrs FAs they are getting better
There was nothing of value in your post
Gibson signed with the Rangers. The Twins resigned Pineda who is going to serve the remainder of this suspension the first 5 weeks of the season. Rodon should be back around the ASB, Gio Gonzalez will be in the Sox rotation at the beginning of the season, unless Kopech, Cease and Lopez are excelling and Gio is moved to the pen.
@munke52
Pretty good summary, and I know you lean Tribe, but perhaps you’d lean further in their direction (as Vegas does) knowing that Cleveland signed the best free agent 2B out there (Cesar Hernandez)–Freeman isn’t even on the 40 man–and it wasn’t only Jose Ramirez who had a poor year last year overall, but Francisco Lindor had an indifferent season as well. Have them bounce back, give the Tribe a full year of Clevinger and Carrasco, perhaps a better pen, and full years of Mercado and Franmil Reyes, I still agree with you and Vegas, they are the team to beat in the division. It’s not like everything right for them last year and they still erased an 11 game lead that the Twins had before enduring more challenges down the stretch.
First off there are just as many Sox fans that post negative comments on cubs articles as often as they can as their are cubs fans here don’t act so offended not that either makes either any better just saying.. but as for e.e signing it’s a solid signing,maybe slight over pay but on a one year deal a couple mill really ain’t nothing.his power is his strength right now in his career and a couple extra dingers through a season can be the difference between winning 82 games and just missing out or winning 86 and winning the division so I say it’s a smart sign for them
Interesting signing. Wonder if they’re planning to be in on Betts or George Springer in 2021 and hence why they didn’t go after the bat of Castellanos?
EE has been in the playoffs the last 5 years straight. Here comes number 6!!!!!
He is getting traded again? LOL
Did you really make yourself laugh and was it really that loud? Would be impressive and sad at the same time.
White sox haven’t been in the playoffs the last 11 year’s straight. Here comes number 12!!!!!
Absolutely zero value in your post
So ignorant. Feel bad for ppl like you
You can’t predict the future…no one had the twins being as good as they were on 2019
Pot, meet kettle.
If you turds scroll down I was actually saying nice things about the white sox until this dork came around talking crap… So your fellow white sox fan just promoting people to bash your team… So ignorant I am not, but thanks
Now we can trade McCann to Pittsburgh for Keona Kela and Adam Frazier
What a joke. No one wants your garbage
Your name is just as stupid as your posts, what a clown.
Jealous haters, your stupidity is entertaining. Please stick around longer than May next year.
The Sox should keep McCann, atleast until one of the prospect catchers is ready to backup Grandal. You basically need two starting catchers anyway.
Edwin has lost bat speed and has become a guess hitter. He will run into some, but good pitching will dominate him. 37 year old’s don’t get quicker now that we are past the PED days. Don’t think you will love the .224 average with 30 homers, but maybe you will.
That’s still productive on today market
1 HR every 12.3 AB’s last year. Pretty much any team can use that.
Damn! It feels good to be a gangsta!
Well done, Rick. Maybe a little more gravy (bullpen) on top of this 5 star entree.
$100 says 95% of negative comments from Cubs fans.
Pathetic.
The WS & Cubs have 2 collective Series titles in 197 years.
It’s our turn again!
SouthSide!
This is a short term win now move. Imo, this move means that Madrigal & Robert have to be on the big leagues roster starting on opening day. If they aren’t, the White Sox betray their motive and this move is simply empty calories. Imo, Renteria is still a major weak link.
Sox win 2020 WS!
Renteria “Manager of the Year”.
Hahn “Executive of the Year”.
Giolito Cy Young winner.
Moncada MVP.
Robert “Rookie of the Year”.
What’s not to like?!
Pipe dreams. Too many additions usually ends up in disaster
2013 Red Sox had like six spare part FA additions and were coming off a last place finish and won the WS
The Sox have made some nice additions to go along with a young, high ceiling group of players. Now the hard part. Dealing with the pressure and expectations to win. It’s no longer a rebuilding and patience situation. The good news is that the AL Central is winnable. My prediction-Sox win 88 games and finish 1st.
your comments
Number 1 McCann not going anywhere. Catchers get hurt and WSox dropoff behind him is huge. He’s cheap and he’s ours. Number 2, Renteria you are officially on the hot seat. Playoffs or gone for him. Lastly, lineup for opening day:
1. Anderson ss
2. Moncada 3b
3. Abreu. 1b
4. Encarnacion dh
5. Grandal c
6. Jimenez lf
7. Mazara rf
8. Robert cf
9. Cuthbert 2b (Madrigal up later)
8.
Does Cuthbert have any speed? Evidently not, 1 SB last year.
If not, swap him with Robert. Puts speed at the bottom and less pressure on Robert to start the season.
Uhhh I don’t really buy that batting a guy 9th instead of 8th puts any less pressure on him. Cuthbert shouldn’t be a 2B option for 5 seconds if the White Sox want to make the playoffs this year. They ought to bring in a guy who can be a utility man after Madrigal is ready. Maybe a Brock Holt.
They are have that in Leury Garcia. He played full time CF last year, but came up as a SS and can plan all over the place. Possible that he starts the year at 2b while waiting for Madrigal (if they wait).
Dont stop now boys !!! Really looking forward to seeing how Jose hits next yr. with quite a bit of protection now. Adding Castellanos give us the best lineup in the Central, if we dont have it already
Sox need 2 more starting pitchers —
I know – they could’ve easily signed Cole and Strasburg but failed miserably.
The only rotation with more depth than the Sox is the Dodgers. Facts. Don’t @ me!
Giolito
Keuchel
Lopez
Gio
Cease
Kopech
Rodon
Your mom
It’s empty depth because outside of Giolito the starters aren’t all that great, they are all average.
Kopech is coming off tommy john not sure how effective he’ll be or how many innings.
Wha-huh?
Dude, they have 7 starting pitchers when Rodon comes back. They have plenty of depth right now. A trade for another quality top of the rotation type might be in the cards during the next two years, but there no quality free agent pitchers left that make sense.
Yawn
Sox are doing the same thing the Padres did a few years ago. Sign alot of FA’s to mesh with some youth coming up. It gets the fans excited. These things never go well and end well.
The Padres had no established young talent when they started signing guys. The Sox have Giolito, Anderson and Moncada. They also don’t play in a bear of a division. I think they’re a year early on these FA splashes. I don’t like the Abreu extension and the Keuchel deal is pretty risky. But this isn’t a parallel to the Padres at all.
They didnt have alot because they traded alot for Kimbrel and the like
I’m not really sure what you mean. If you’re comparing this years White Sox to the Padres who traded for Matt Kemp and signed James Shields… That’s way off base also. I figured you were comparing them to the Padres who extended Will Myers, Signed Hosmer, and later on Machado. They’re closer to that team than the one who purged prospects for players. I don’t find the White Sox to be similar to either one.
The White Sox definitely haven’t given up any big prospects. Just a lot of cash and Steele Walker. If you’re referencing that old Padres team. Preller gave up Trea Turner, Joe Ross, Max Fried, and Yasmani Grandal in those series of transactions. The White Sox have done nothing like that.
Lots of solo homers and ground ball double plays in his bat.
Sounds like an accurate description of Franmil Reyes.
We can say that about 33% if all major leaguers, though. The difference is that there are very few starting catchers with decent defense that are worth roster spots. At 29, he’s a quality add for most teams.
Jim this article is about Encarnacion. Not Grandal.
Only work remaining is bullpen and bench for the CWS. OF – (5) Jimenez, Robert, Mazara, Garcia and wouldn’t mind a cheap Billy Hamilton or stay with Engel. INF – (5) Abreu, Madrigal, Anderson, Moncada and resign Sanchez with Garcia as emergency C – (2) Grandal, McCann (Collins/Zavala/Mercedes) 1 or 2 part of a package trade. DH (1) – Encarncion. BP – Colome, Herrera, Fry and Bummer need to identify or sign three more (SP) (5) Giolito, Kuechel, Gonzalez, Lopez and Cease still would mind Nova back because Lopez and Cease are wildcards and at least you know what your getting from Nova.
Kopech is going to be coming out of the bullpen this season. That’s my assumption since he is coming off Tommy Surgery and on an innings restriction. Plus, he has to develop a change up before he is put on the rotation. If he can not develop a change then there is a chance he becomes a closer after 2020.
He has a plus fastball and a plus slider already..
If he can be average with the change, he will .be just fine.
There is no reason for him to come out of the bullpen. They will already have six potential starters, so they can skip his starts.
If anyone moves FT to the bullpen, it will be Lopez, who has been given ample opportunity to prove he can start.
Wouldn’t mind seeing the Mets acquire McCann. Maybe Gsellman and Nido? They probably get next to nothing for him after August 1, especially if he only has 150 or so at bats at that point. (Assuming he’s catching twice per week.)
Yo the south Siders are going to hit some bombs this year, on paper they have a potent lineup, if some of they’re pitching prospects can breakout this year they could take the AL central. I think the white Sox, Padres and reds might surprise some people this year.
Not sure the point of putting in the option year for EE. Once Vaughn comes up next year (or even this year), Abreu will be full time DH. On EE’s end, there’s no money for declining his option. Unless EE hits 50+ HR this year, there’s virtually no chance the Sox bring him back next year.
If it were me, I would’ve passed on EE and just went to ST with what they have. But Hahn didn’t ask for my opinion, so hopefully this deal works out. They’re probably an 85-win team, though being in MLB’s toilet division, I suppose they have a shot at winning the division, especially if Minny keeps sitting on their hands. But there’s still 2 months before ST, so there’s still plenty of time for them to make moves.
I wonder if they’re still trying to get Cast or Puig. I would think not, but with all the moves Hahn has made in the last few weeks, who knows at this point.
The one move I would make, if he was willing to come back at a lesser amount, is Yolmer. He’s the perfect bench IF, and he can be the 2B until Madrigal comes up. God knows they can use his D. He beats any dumpster dive still out there (or they already picked up). I know they have Mendick, but do you really want to trust him full-time at 2B for the first month or two?
“Not sure the point of putting in the option year for EE. Once Vaughn comes up next year (or even this year), Abreu will be full time DH.”
What if Abreu or Vaughn get injured and EE rakes? Worst case scenario, they’re out $1M for declining the option. Not really any risk involved.
“I know they have Mendick, but do you really want to trust him full-time at 2B for the first month or two?”
Unless Madrigal gets injured, Mendick will only be needed as a starter for a few weeks.
“He’s the perfect bench IF, and he can be the 2B until Madrigal comes up. God knows they can use his D.”
Phrasing?
OK, I’ll give you that on EE, it would have to be as insurance for injuries. And you’re right, there’s no risk in having that option. It just looked odd. It could just be my sleep deprivation lol.
As for 2B, I would definitely be more comfortable with Yolmer manning 2B for the first month or two than Mendick. With the Kris Bryant thing going on, I’m guessing teams are going to make sure prized prospects are staying down a safe distance from the cutoff date. So it will probably be sometime in May, just to be safe.
Maybe Mendick will be fine, I don’t know. But if they’re going all in this coming season, it’s a bit risky giving the 2B reins to Mendick until Madrigal comes up. Not that Yolmer’s an All-Star himself, but I’d go with Yolmer if it were up to me.
Edwin will be great with the younger players on the White Sox. Top flight production is a huge bonus.
I like all the moves. It’s not an overpay until the player digresses so much that you can’t deal him away. The CWS always try to get options on players to boost the trade value in the 1st year. They got that this winter.
The AL was on fire last year with 95W being the bar to get a WC. I believe Hahn has made these moves assuming it will be that high again. I don’t think he expects the CWS to reach that but he’s hopeful the Tommy Johners come back stronger than ever & all have good years. All of them are expected to be in Chicago before June except Rodon.
fantasy.fangraphs.com/dont-ditch-carlos-rodon/ this article explains why
Rodon dominated July & Aug of 2018. Odds are he comes back stronger than he
was then. He relies primarily on his 4-seam fastball (92mph) and slider (84mph).
He also features a change(85mph) & a sinker. If he’s getting his FB up on the edge of the zone he can dominate & all this rehab time may raise his FB velocity a little.
He figures to join the team after mL rehab starts late July/early Aug.
Giolito is the only starter right now likely to go over 6ip in most of his starts.
Rodon could be a force coming into the 5th-6th-7th.
There would have to be a major hole in the rotation for him to crack it in 2020.
Problem with the White Sox….is their Manager is not good !
You can definitively say that based on what? Rick Renteria has only managed rebuilding teams as a MLB manager, the 2014 Cubs and the 2017-2019 White Sox.
I’ve seen some suggestions that Renteria might be the first manager fired in 2020 including from one of the MLBTR writers during a chat. I’ll bet that Renteria has a better shot of taking home the 2020 AL Manager of the Year award, especially with the White Sox reluctance to actually fire managers. As you might recall, Renteria’s lame predecessor Robin Ventura was not fired nor was tempestuous skipper Ozzie Guillen before him who was actually traded to the Marlins before they fired him over his supportive remarks regarding Fidel Castro in Miami of all places.
We sign EE strictly as DH. No juggling DHs. The guy hammered 34 homers this year in only 109 games. Grandal can back up Abreu at 1st base. Use McCann as needed. L. Garcia/Engle can play CF until Robert moves up. Mendick or Cuthbert available for 2nd base until Madrigal. Now throw a blanket over Twins, Indians and White Sox. They will be close rivals-good battle for A.L.Central title.
Am I missing something??? The sox have probably some of the worst defense around both in the infield and outfield. Their lineup is also full of aggressive,strikeout prone, non obp guys. I just don’t see their rotation as any good either, these are the following WAR numbers for 2019, outside of giolito I don’t see any pitcher with anything above 2.0 WAR
Giolito – 5.6 (1.5 previous high)
Keuchel – 2.0 (19 starts)
2.1(in 2018 31 starts w/ astros)
Gonzalez – 1.7
Lopez – 0.5
Rodon – 0.1 injured (career high is 2.0)
Cease – (-0.2) rookie
This guy has one of the more interesting career arcs I’ve ever seen.
Up until age 29 he was an average to slightly above average hitter who never had more than 26 HRs in a season. Then he exploded and now has over 400 career HRs and is still hitting strong as a 36 year old.
Imagine the numbers Pujols or Cabrera would’ve put up if they aged this well.
Encarnacion started slugging when he got moved off of 3B. Odd sequence but perhaps having his mind clear defensively let him improve his offensive game.
I’m ready for some updates to these trades with pics, please.