The White Sox have been one of the offseason’s busier clubs, and according to GM Rick Hahn, the South Siders may not be making more headline-grabbing transactions. While the Sox are taking a “never say never” approach to further opportunities and “various potential smaller additions” could potentially still occur, “we’re probably done with any major acquisitions,” Hahn told reporters (including NBC Sports Chicago’s Vinnie Duber).
“The nature of the job is you always feel like there’s one more addition you can make, so I’m probably never going to stand up here and say we’re finished,” Hahn said. “But in reality, I think the safe assumption is the bulk of our heavy lifting for this winter, at least, is over.”
The White Sox have erased any questions about whether the organization was willing or able to expand payroll, spending over $201MM on several new faces (i.e. Yasmani Grandal, Dallas Keuchel, Edwin Encarnacion, Gio Gonzalez, Steve Cishek) and a familiar one in Jose Abreu, who first accepted the club’s one-year qualifying offer for the 2020 season and then inked an extension that will run through 2022. If those signings weren’t enough, the Pale Hose also acquired Nomar Mazara in a trade with the Rangers, and locked up star prospect Luis Robert to a long-term extension prior to Robert’s MLB debut.
These moves have already gone a long way to turning the White Sox from an also-ran with a 72-89 record in 2019 to a potential postseason contender in 2020. That said, there are a few areas that could still possibly be upgraded — Duber cites rotation and bullpen depth, as well as a potential platoon partner for Mazara and a more stable veteran to play second base. In regards to the latter position, Hahn did say to “ask me again on March 25” about the second base plan, which could hint that the Sox are still exploring second base options. For now, “some combination of Leury Garcia, Danny Mendick and Nick Madrigal” will handle the keystone.
Madrigal is one of Chicago’s top prospects, and a player expected to eventually take over the position at some point in the 2020 season. Madrigal is likely to begin the season at Triple-A for extra seasoning (and service time reasons), leaving the veteran Garcia and the rookie Mendick with the bulk of at-bats at least early in the season. Garcia has displayed average-to-solid glovework — depending on your defensive metric of choice — and not much hitting over his seven seasons and 1493 plate appearances for Chicago, while Mendick had some good numbers at Triple-A and even over his 16-game cup of coffee for the White Sox in 2019.
Despite the promise on hand, there isn’t a lot of certainty within the group, especially for a would-be contender. There are some interesting veteran second base options still hanging around the free agent market, and would potentially be had for a relatively low price at this late date in the offseason. Signing such a player to even a one-year deal could be a good investment, and it would lessen any pressure on Madrigal to immediately contribute in his first exposure to the big leagues.
Mazara appears to be Chicago’s first choice as the everyday right fielder, as Hahn said “our scouts and coaches think there’s more upside to” Mazara’s hitting potential. The former star prospect hit a middling .261/.320/.435 over his first 2189 Major League plate appearances, though Mazara is still only 24 and could benefit from a change of scenery. The White Sox have often been linked to Nicholas Castellanos this offseason, though it seems like the Sox will give Mazara a clear shot at right field rather than make another splashy addition.
Depending on how things shake out with right field, second base, or other positions over the first few months of the season, Hahn indicated that the White Sox are open to addressing any future needs at the trade deadline.
You’ve done a fine job, Rick. Ready to see how this team looks in spring training.
GO SOX
Bout to get caught up with either sign stealing or illegally talking to international prospects within the next two years
Been there, done that. Hahaha From the Chicago Tribune, November 10, 2010.
“The indictment alleged that Wilder and two former Sox scouts, Jorge Oquendo Rivera and Victor Mateo, fraudulently inflated the signing bonuses of Latin American prospects and then had the players kick back the extra money to them over the more than three-year scheme. In all, they pocketed about $400,000 intended for 23 prospects, authorities said.
They “enriched themselves by taking advantage of vulnerable ballplayers, who were anxious to pursue their dreams of stardom in the major leagues,” Robert Grant, head of the Chicago FBI office, said in a statement.
Federal authorities said the kickback scheme was hidden from the Sox and its “more senior officials.””
Our Harvard Law graduate Fredrick , call me Rick, Hahn
Think it’s safe to say he did ok
Not much left out there.
They probably need a long-guy, so McHufh may make sense, but they need to see what the young players give them and adjust accordingly.
Still interested in Puig though. That outfield looks awful defensively.
Jimenez will be a work in progress but i think he will get better. Robert has great skills and Mazara is ok average I think you will see in later innings when in the lead Engel move to center and Robert to right and Garcia in left which is way above average defensively.
Having Adam Engel and Leury Garcia as late game defensive replacements in the outfield corners is good enough. If the White Sox don’t add another outfielder to compliment left-handed slugging RF Nomar Mazara who struggles versus southpaw pitching then I expect right-handed hitting Engel to be that guy in 2020. Engel has never displayed much prowess as hitter but he did post an impressive .313/.360/.482 slash versus LHP in 2019. Engel is also probably the fastest runner on the White Sox which makes him a threat on the base paths in addition to his already proven defensive ability. Engel would also be my primary starting CF when Robert needs a day off, especially with Jimenez and Mazara manning the corners.
Luis Robert will have enough on his plate making his MLB debut in 2020 without having to transition between CF and RF. Robert has played almost exclusively in CF since turning pro and should remain there in his rookie season.
Tayron Guerrero could be a sleeper if they teach him to throw strikes.
I wish they went and got Csstellanos.
If you are going to put out wishes, make it a better wish like they sign Betts next off season.
Bring Yolmer back
Forreal tho dude was the leader of the bench squad
I continue to be amazed at the math involved when discussing the 2nd base options. One would think that 3 choices would be enough. If they sign another free agent, what becomes of that player when Madrigal debuts?
I think what Hahn means by his comment of ask him about 2nd base on March 25th is about which of those 3 are going to start on opening day. Reading into it, it would only be Madrigal if they work out an extension like they did with Jimenez and Robert.
I absolutely favor a Nick Madrigal extension prior to opening day to insure he is the White Sox starting 2B. If that does not transpire, the White Sox could do worse than add versatile veteran switch-hitter Ben Zobrist assuming he forsakes retirement in the wake of his 2019 divorce. Zobrist was a Gold Glove finalist at 2B as recently as 2017 with the Cubs.
More importantly, Zobrist can play 6 other positions and outside of 2B has his most experience in RF which means he could be the less-sided platoon partner with Nomar Mazara who struggles hitting lefty pitching. Zobrist is an accomplished high contact switch-hitter giving the White Sox a second such batter in addition to Madrigal in 2020. Zobrist could also offer added leadership ability to the White Sox as a two-time World Series champion who also earned 2016 MVP honors with the Cubs on the heels of an excellent postseason with the 2015 World Series champion Royals.
Zo would provide bench experience. He visibly slowed down last year though.
Plus Zo lives here in Chicago , I like his versatility
Should sign puig 1 yr deal
Kevin Pillar had 20 homers and 14 steals as a centerfielder last year. As a 4th outfielder he could help.
No need for any other moves unless there is a major upgrade and at this point it will have to be by trade.. Although there is one player that would fit.
Leury Garcia will be a fine platoon partner with Mazara. He hits LHP, .311/.344/.443, 110 wRC+ in 2019.. So did Engel this past season, .313/.360/..482, 125 wRC+. Puig has reverse splits, he hits RHP better than LHP and Castellanos is a liability in the field. I also doubt he will sign to be a part time player. Also, the AL Central is devoid of quality LH starters. It’s essentially Boyd of Detroit and not much else until/if Rich Hill comes back from injury.
White Sox bullpen was OK in 2019, about middle of the pack behind Bummer, Colome, Marshall, Cordero and Herrera who was terrible until September. Cishek was a nice addition. The Sox also have several quality RP’s on the way in Tyler Johnson, Ian Hamilton, Codi Heuer and Zack Burdi if he can stay healthy.
Giolito, Keuchel, Gonzalez, Lopez, Cease, Kopech and Rodon by mid season will be vying for starts. Bernardo Flores, who can be a viable 4th/5th starter and pitchers Jimmy Lambert and Dane Dunning are recovering from injuries and should be competing for starts if not in 2020 but by 2021. There are several current and recent top 100 prospects that should get chances to start at the MLB level.
If there was going to be any signing, I would like it to be Brock Holt, who I believe is still available. A LH bat that can play multiple positions adequately would be nice off the bench. As of now, when Madrigal comes up the bench is probably going to be McCann, Leury, Engel and Mendick. Holt would fit in nicely and provide insurance at several positions.
One addition i think could really help is Giles from Toronto in bullpen maybe McCann and Stiever gets it done… i think Collins can handle 40 – 50 games catching and it gets him at bats…. we need patient hitters and lefties in this lineup.
I’d absolutely love to see Collins catch 50 games for our boys, this summer. World Series here we come.
One addition i think could really help is Giles from Toronto in bullpen maybe McCann and Stiever gets it done… i think Collins can handle 40 – 50 games catching and it gets him at bats…. we need patient hitters and lefties in this lineup.
One addition i think could really help is Giles from Toronto in bullpen maybe McCann and Stiever gets it done… i think Collins can handle 40 – 50 games catching and it gets him at bats…. we need patient hitters and lefties in this lineup.
One addition i think could really help is Giles from Toronto in bullpen maybe McCann and Stiever gets it done… i think Collins can handle 40 – 50 games catching and it gets him at bats…. we need patient hitters and lefties in this lineup.
One addition i think could really help is Giles from Toronto in bullpen maybe McCann and Stiever gets it done… i think Collins can handle 40 – 50 games catching and it gets him at bats…. we need patient hitters and lefties in this lineup.
Fricken 8 straight comments jeez
I know when I am high, it took me like the 4th post with the same comment to go “wait a minute!”
Actually? I believe it’s a phone/app issue. It happens to me as well. Any idea how to fix that?
This is deja vu all over again.
Why would Toronto want McCann? They’re not competing really
Same reason the sox got him last year.
Thought Puig would have been the cherry on a nice offseason.
Brock Holt and the offseason is golden
I don’t have a problem with them trying Mazara out. If he sucks they’ll probably let him walk in arbitration. They’re most likely looking at Betts or Springer next year. Otherwise they would’ve given Castellanos a multi year offer.
I bet your right negation. Reinsdorf throws money around like he’s printing it. He just loves to spend – well at least he does when the taxpayers foot the bill.
Your California tax dollars don’t do crap for Chicago. Actually, my mistake, your tourist tax dollars do help us Chicagoans with some infrastructure projects and the occasional new stadium. Thanks again!
Dogbone is a little boy living in his grandmamas farm in Iowa.
It would be nuts if they pulled off signing Betts next year. But there are discussions between Red Sox and Padres now. Springer and Marte are other options. Or maybe one of the many OF prospects shines in the minors this year.
Betts would have to be high on drugs, to even consider signing with the sox.
See what I mean about these cvbs fans? So toxic and hateful. They’re absolutely terrified of the White Sox.
You’d make a good spin doctor in DC.
Honestly, if he doesn’t sign some kind of long term extension with Boston, I think Betts would consider any young, competitive team that has an opportunity for the post season.
Who am I kidding? His agent will use teams like the Sox and Marlins to drive up the price and then sign with the Yankees or Phillies.
The Yankees outfield is already loaded. They can’t sign everyone. The Mets and Phillies might be in on him. But the the White Sox still have a ton of money to spend thanks to the club friendly contracts they enjoy. How the Sox perform this season may have a huge impact on their ability to sign a superstar like Betts in the next few years.
Of a team who’s looking to claim victory if they win 81 games? Please…..LOL. you are even a bigger idiot here then when you’re trolling the cubs threads and other Sox fans are telling you how stupid you sound.
“Ask me again on March 25.”
Damn, didn’t know swinging a Lowrie trade would take that long.
Dogbone does trolling the Sox help with the bad upcoming season for tbe Cubs?
Just another one of the 3 million angry cubs fans
Jet your numbers straight. There were 5,500,000 at the parade. FYI Largest human gathering in the history of our nation. Man it feels good to be a Cubs fan!
Get your numbers right. There were over 5.5 million at the parade. Larger human gathering in the history of our country. Damn it’s good to be a cubs fan!
He carried on forever about the Sox not spending but now they have especially when it counts, so he’s got nothing. What makes it worse is his cubs (who I have no hate for) apparently can barely afford to provide the players with sunflower seeds let alone player acquisitions.
Tell me, when was the last time the sox spent more than the Cubs on payroll – or development.
6 times since 2016.
hahaha, clown.
How is rotation depth an issue with this club? The author needs to do his homework. They have six solid starters for five slots, and another starter coming back from injury mid-season. If everyone pitches to their potential, the Sox could have a top five rotation.
Kopech is coming off of TJ, and Gio Gonzalez missed half of last season with a dead arm. If Kopech fully ready, they are going to be inviting Ross Detwiler back to the rotation.
And Lopez is hardly a solid starter. Unless you like players with a 5 FIP and two functional pitches in your rotation. Having any faith in Rodon is absurd.
Adding another swing guy is a good idea.
This may be a shock to you, but young players actually get better. Lopez has pitched well in spots, and looked unhittable in some games. Throw your “FIP” stats in the trash and watch a baseball game. Trust me, it’ll do you some good.
Dogboner watches AAA gam… I mean Cubs games so it’s no wonder he’s clueless
I’m also a Sox fan, and I have to disagree about the Sox rotation. There’s tons of potential, no doubt. But there’s also tons of risk. The Sox are relying on a guy coming off of TJ, a guy that won’t be healthy until the middle of the year, a guy coming off a bad season and their ace is coming off of a breakout season. The last part sounds great, but it’s not as though he has a long track record of dominance at this level.
As much as I love the moves they’ve made on offense, it still feels as though they could use one more steady, reliable arm in the rotation. We’ll see though. Hopefully they’re in contention by the trade deadline and can add an arm if needed. Hopefully it all pans out and they don’t even need that much.
They have Giolito, Keuchel, Kopech, Gonzalez, Lopez, Cease and Rodon coming back mid season. Then there is unspectacular lefty Bernardo Flores who put up a 3.33 ERA, 3.77 FIP and 53.3 GB% over 15 starts in AA this past season. He will get the call before Detwiler. Adding another swing man is unnecessary. Kopech will also be on an innings limit and most likely start the season in the minors.
There’s at least 25 teams that would have a top 5 rotation if everyone pitched to their potential…
Lopez has made more than 70 starts. His problem isn’t just command like Giolito and Cease, although that is an issue. It’s that he only has one solid pitch, a fastball, and an average slider. When he can’t locate his slider, he gets eaten alive.
I think he could be very good in the bullpen. Being a solid back end guy would be an improvement over what he’s offered as a starter. But to say he is a great starter is just false.
I also don’t understand what’s wrong with adding one more proven arm that can serve in a long role, and occasionally start, given the very real issues with some of the starters. Do you really want to rush Kopech? Or see Detwiler get lit up again? Are you really that attached to Carson Fulmer that you don’t see the value in adding a guy like McHugh? It’s just an insurance policy, which the team hasn’t had.
“Hahn did say to “ask me again on March 25” about the second base plan, which could hint that the Sox are still exploring second base options.” That date is the eve of opening day in 2020.
Last year the White Sox solved their LF plan by signing Eloy Jimenez to a contract extension on the eve of the 2019 season. They also signed top prospect Luis Robert to a contract extension earlier this month on January 2nd assuring that their plan for CF this season would be written in ink. Jimenez and Robert were each locked up before making their MLB debut for the White Sox.
Why nor do the same for 2B prospect Nick Madrigal and assure the White Sox begin the season with a set double play combination on opening day, something that could be especially important in their hope that SS Tim Anderson will improve his defense this season after making a huge leap with his bat in 2019? Madrigal is considered MLB ready as a potential Gold Glove 2B as well as possessing a 70-grade hit tool fueled by his uncanny knack for putting the ball in play to all fields and rarely striking out. Madrigal has not only been lauded for his hitting and defensive ability but was also the landslide pick as the MLB prospect with the highest baseball IQ. Adding in his 20+ SB potential it’s easy to see why Madrigal is considered to have one of the highest floors of any prospect in baseball. Locking up Madrigal is a no-brainer and should be the last big move by the White Sox ahead of opening day.
IMO….Hahn was referring to Madrigal with his March 25 comment. If Madrigal has an outstanding enough spring, he will earn his way to the opening day start at 2B.
Probably wants to get a good look at Madrigal during some spring games and see how how he handles himself with the big leaguers before making a decision.
Yeah, it’d be nice, but he has to want to sign an extension. Some players would rather bet on themselves and that’s entirely their right. If he’s as smart as people say he is, I’m guessing he’ll want a taste of the majors before he agrees to some deal that would no doubt be lower than what Eloy and Robert got.
The Central is going to be fun to watch because they have great offenses and not stellar pitching. The Indians are clearly the best at developing pitching, while the Sox have great young arms but no one is reasonably predicting they breakout because the White Sox rarely develop pitchers. Only Chris Sale comes to mind of late.
Quintana was a Yankees’ castoff who the Sox turned into an All-Star. Until his terrible 2017, he had a 3.41 ERA for his career.
I’d go puig one year makes to much sense platoon with maraza
Eloy was on DL twice last year
And Robert been hurt few times
But will Puig accept a one year deal like Ozuna? Probably not. I’m thinking the Mets will end up landing Puig on a two year if he is still available as soon as Cespedes feet act up this spring.
Puig will absolutely accept a one-year deal, because that’s probably all anyone will give him. The best he can probably expect is a team option.
i wouldn’t mind another bullpen arm or a righty complement to mazara, but neither are really necessary right now. its been a good offseason on paper, hopefully the team stays healthy and plays well.
It’s been a very exciting winter for ChiSox fans! Adding the starting pitching they did really deepens the quality start aspect for that team which, in itself, should strengthen their bullpen.
The veteran pitchers added can only help those younger guys’ development. The hitters added will really make that a daunting lineup around Abreu and the young player talent just cutting its teeth.
Will they get to 85 wins and reach for that Wild Card spot? If they can beat up on weaker teams and break even with the division winners, they just might.
Actually, they’ve played well against the Red Sox, Astros and Yankees. Struggle with consistency in their division and scuffle against mediocre teams. So the ceiling is there to do well
An awful lot would have to go right for the Sox to contend for the division, but I think 90 wins is possible and 84+ should be expected, considering the improvements they made. I doubt the team gets Springer or Betts next offseason as I think Jerry might have a heart attack signing that large a deal, but they’ve built a solid core and still have some financial flexibility for the future.
An “awful lot” didn’t go right for the Twins when they won 101 games last season. They hit a lot of HRs, and that’s about it. All the White Sox have to do is get average production from at least 3/4ths of the lineup, with continued above average production from the same guys as last year: Moncada, Giolito, Jimenez, and Robert. It’s really quite easy to win 85+ when a majority of your lineup and rotation is productive (it was not last year, but none of the below average players are in the starting lineup for the upcoming season). The most reasonable expectation given the talent they’ve added to the team is at least 85 wins. A lot would have to go wrong for them not to improve on 72 wins with a roster set up to tank after June (key injuries, widespread regression, improved play throughout the division).
You act like winning 85 games is easy. It’s not.
It 2015, the White Sox had probably the best rotation they have had on paper since 2008, led by a future HoFer. They also had a proven closer and 8th inning guy.
They added two proven vets to the lineup coming off solid seasons, and had promising young players at 3b and in RF coming off good years. They also had one of the top run producers in the league at first.
The result? They finished under 500 and won three more games than the previous year.
It takes a great deal to happen for a team with so many young players to get to 85 wins. The lineup looks good, but no one would realistically say the rotation is even close to being as talented as the 2015 staff, to say nothing of the bullpen.
Be realistic about this team.
@maximumvelocity
I’d completely agree with you if the Sox weren’t in MLB’s toilet division.
But yes, the Sox are in their transition year. They’re aren’t quite there yet, but I think they’ll be close by season’s end. They’re a lot like the Blackhawks were when Toews and Kane came up. They weren’t great that year, but you could see great things in their future, which is exactly what happened. Not saying the same thing will definitely happen with the Sox, but many of the pieces are there for a potential great run the next 5 years.
The Sox just have too many young guys to make a serious run at the playoffs this year, especially in pitching. We’ll see how Eloy, Cease, Lopez, Kopech (to a lesser extent), and even Mazara progress, along with the rookies. At the very least, it should be more exciting baseball for the Sox.
But I think 85 wins in MLB’s toilet division is easily within their reach.
Hahn did well, now it’s time to see how this team jells and if need be, make some additional moves at the trade deadline. I’m more than excited to see this team.
PHA
Many rumors of signing another platoon asset for the White Sox have been circulating.
Looking at what the Sox already have as utility guys, L. Garcia and D. Mendick while considering the White Sox Roster weaknesses, dictates the best addition and eliminates a few.
Garcia’s splits: Switch hitter
Right 264 BA / 348 SLG/642 OPS
Left 311 BA/443 SLG/ 786 OPS
Mendick splits: Bats Right
Right 364 BA / 636 SLG/1,028 OPS
Left 235 BA/235 SLG/ 471 OPS
White Sox weakness;
Nomar Mazar splits: Bats Left
Against Righties 288 BA / 500 SLG/ 844/ OPS
L 220 BA / 394 / 646
Options for Addition to the Roster:
Brock Holt bats left (Not Better than Mendick)
Splits:
R 318 BA/ 438 SLG /832 OPS
L 224 BA / 276 SLG/ 557 OPS
Scooter Gennett , Bats left was an All Star in 2018 ( Batting may not bounce back)
226 BA in 2019
R 240 BA
L 172 BA
The Best Fit for White Sox:
Brian Dozier Second Base and Short Stop back-up
2019 World Series Ring Owner
R 221 BA/ 393 SLG / 720 OPS
L 280 BA / 525 SLG / 900 OPS
Platooning Mazar with Garcia in RF
Nomar Mazar Bats Left, against Righties 288 BA / 500 SLG/ 844/ OPS
Garcia’ (Switch hitter) Against Lefties 311 BA/443 SLG/ 786 OPS
Platooning Mendick with Dozier at 2 Base
Mendick Bats Right against Righties 364 BA / 636 SLG/1,028 OPS
Brian Dozier Bats Right Against Lefties 280 BA / 525 SLG / 900 OPS
Dozier batted 238 in 2019
20 HR with 50 RBI with 61 BBs
416 at Bats
He also has equal HR Pop vs Lefties and Righties,
making him a great late inning Pinch Hitter
There are several unsigned guys out there &
Madrigal is on his way up by May 1.st.
But the stats indicate Brian Dozier’s club house presence, WS Ring, platoon readiness with some Pop makes the decision a clear choice.
Getter Done Hahn
From someone who often writes ‘novel’ comments I appreciate the effort here. That said, I’m not seeing a great fit with the White Sox and Brian Dozier. Nick Madrigal will be up much sooner rather than later, perhaps even making his MLB on opening day with a solid spring camp or contract extension like Eloy Jimenez received on the eve of last season’s opener. Regardless of whether Madrigal debuts on March 26, the middle of April or in May, Dozier would have no real role on the White Sox active roster once the promotion occurs.
Dozier is not an adequate enough SS to backup Tim Anderson in the event of another injury to last year’s AL Batting Champ. Fact is, Dozier hasn’t even played the position since his rookie year back in 2012. Leury Garcia or Danny Mendick would be more qualified to do that or the White Sox should target one of the other remaining free agents who has a better track record of playing SS.
* …making his MLB debut on opening day…
@ Sapoznik
Unless he hits over 350 in ST – or an injury –
2 weeks equates to an additional year.
Unless Nick Madrigal is extended he will enjoy a two week delay, recently dubbed,
“The Kris Bryant Experience.”
Mendick and Garcia can back up at short as an Anderson INJURY INSURANCE POLICY
Platooning Mendick with Garcia at Short
Mendick Bats Right against Righties 364 BA / 636 SLG/1,028 OPS
Garcia’s : Switch hitter Against Lefties 311 BA/443 SLG/ 786 OPS
Hopefully brief enough for those with attention disorders.
On the Spectrum anyone?