PREAMBLE
There are whispers among fans that the franchise may just be a one-hit wonder. History suggests that it’s improbable to be catastrophically bad two years in a row—now is the moment to silence the skeptics and cement our credibility in the league.
MANAGER
Honestly, I’m not well-versed enough in the candidate pool to make a fully informed choice. The strategy might be to select the candidate with the least backing from Jerry, as a means to shake things up.
ARBITRATION-ELIGIBLE PLAYERS
- Andrew Vaughn: $6.4M – tender
- Nicky Lopez: $5.1M – non-tender
- Garrett Crochet: $2.9M – tender
- Gavin Sheets: $2.6M – non-tender
- Enyel De Los Santos: $1.7M – non-tender
- Jimmy Lambert: $1.2M – non-tender
- Justin Anderson: $1.1M – non-tender
- Steven Wilson: $1M – tender
- Matt Foster: $900K – tender
CLUB OPTIONS
- Yoán Moncada: $25M ($5M buyout) – decline. I can still recall the excitement when the Sox brought him and Michael Kopech onto the team. I fantasized about Kopech evolving into a Verlander-esque ace and Yoan resembling a Robinson Cano-caliber second baseman. Those were more naive days.
- Max Stassi: $7M ($500K buyout) – decline.
OTHER IMPENDING FREE AGENTS
It’s time to decide whether we should try to retain, extend qualifying offers, or part ways with these players.
- Michael Soroka (Made $3M in 2023) – offer a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training as a reliever. He has shown promising performance from the bullpen but has struggled with health issues. I recommend incorporating performance bonuses based on major league innings pitched, potentially adding up to three million in incentives.
- Mike Clevinger ($3M) – bye.
- Chris Flexen ($1.75) – offer a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. He might find better opportunities elsewhere since the Sox are currently in a strong position with starting pitching.
FREE AGENTS
No. 1: SP Andrew DeSclafani – 1 year, $3 million
Given his previous collaboration with Bannister, the acquisition of DeSclafani makes logical sense. While it’s a calculated risk, if Bannister can rekindle their successful synergy from their San Francisco days, we could see DeSclafani as a valuable asset come the trade deadline. As he didn’t pitch last year, he should be relatively affordable.
No. 2: RP Lucas Sims – 1 year, $3.5 million (2nd year team option – $3.5 million, $500K buyout)
Sims boasted solid statistics before being traded at the deadline last year, achieving a 3.57 ERA along with 40 strikeouts in just 35 innings pitched while with the Reds. With Boston’s challenging conditions behind him, the prospect of competing for the closer role with the Sox could serve as an enticing motive for him to sign.
No. 3: 2B Amed Rosario – 1 year, $6 million
Having recorded a notable 4.2 WAR season just two years ago, Rosario could again solidify the shortstop position until Montgomery is ready to step up. Following that, he could vie for the second base spot against Baldwin and could also serve as a potential trade piece as the deadline approaches.
No. 4: RP Caleb Ferguson – 1 year, $3 million (with incentives up to $5 million)
Ferguson is a lefty relief pitcher who impressed with 67 strikeouts over 54.1 innings last season. Bannister may believe there’s an opportunity to rejuvenate his career, recalling his dominant Dodger form where he posted a remarkable 3.43 ERA and accumulated 247 strikeouts over 207.1 innings between 2018 and 2023.
No. 5: UTL Garrett Hampson – 1 year, $2.5 million
As a former Royal, Hampson’s defensive versatility across the diamond aligns perfectly with the Sox’s current needs.
No. 6: C Thomas Nido – 1 year, $1 million
Nido is likely to target a reliable spot in the majors, which he can find with the White Sox. Though he may not excel in any specific facet, he serves as a competent catcher allowing Lee to take the majority of opportunities until prospects make their anticipated debuts.
No. 7: RP Jose Cisnero – 1 year, $1 million (with incentives up to $2 million)
With shaky seasons showing ERAs of 6.89 and 5.31, Cisnero is not likely to require a huge payday. His decent ‘stuff’ includes a record of 17 strikeouts in just 15.2 innings last year, along with a full season where he struck out 70 batters in 59.1 innings. If Brian Bannister sees potential in returning him to form as a viable middle relief pitcher, it may be worth taking that chance.
No. 8: 3B JD Davis – Minor League Contract with invite to spring training
I anticipate that at least one of the 1B/LF/3B players in the Sox lineup will face injury during spring training. JD is likely seeking a team willing to provide him the best opportunities for major league playing time, and we could very well offer that chance.
TRADES
No. 1: Trade SP Garrett Crochet and CF Luis Robert to LAD for 1B/C Dalton Rushing, SS Emil Morales, OF Zyhir Hope, and 3B Chase Harlen
There’s understandable hesitation at the thought of trading Robert at such a low point in his value, especially given the risks of packaging two prime assets in one deal. However, it’s essential to weigh the benefits of acquiring prospects from a franchise currently thriving in the World Series. Here’s what the Sox could gain:
- Rushing – At 23 years old, he reached AAA last season, indicating that he may be MLB-ready by 2025. He produced an impressive .271 average and a .384 on-base percentage last year, complimented by 26 home runs and 21 doubles. Although he’s played in the outfield, utilizing him as a C/1B/DH will mitigate injury risk, pairing him with Quero could enhance both their performances.
- Morales – At just 18, he made a name for himself in the Dominican league, achieving a phenomenal .342/.478/.691 batting line last season. His talent is projected to allow him to remain at shortstop, though his arm strength may enable him to transition to third base should Montgomery hold long-term at short.
- Hope – Another teenager (19), he plays the outfield and showcases notable speed and arm strength, giving him an edge in center field. Standing at 5’10”, he still managed to slam nine home runs and hit for 16 doubles across 221 at-bats last season in rookie ball and A.
- Harlen – Keeping with the trend of young talent, Harlen is 18 years old and was selected in the third round this year largely due to his impressive power and arm strength. Scouts have some reservations about his ability to remain at third, thus turning him into a long-term project for the Sox.
No. 2: Trade SP Jonathan Cannon to STL for OF Victor Scott II and SS Yairo Padilla
The Cardinals are in desperate need of young, cost-controlled pitching, a resource the Sox have to offer. Cannon, who impressed in his MLB debut last year, is a valuable trade piece. Although giving up control over him could be costly, the Sox’s urgent quest for position players makes this gamble compelling.
- Scott II – A speedy 23-year-old center fielder, Scott possesses excellent fielding capabilities mixed with a subpar offensive toolset, as evidenced by his .179 average in 145 at-bats last season. However, calling him up to play in a lineup alongside Miguel Vargas, Andrew Benintendi, and Dominic Fletcher could nurture his development and unlock potential. At worst, he may serve effectively as a fourth outfielder.
- Padilla – The 17-year-old shortstop has demonstrated versatility, with a respectable .287/.391/.404 batting line in 136 ABs in rookie ball. He also swiped 22 bases during his time, showcasing his potential for development.
CALL UPS:
1B Tim Elko – Achieved a batting average of .289 with 18 home runs across AA and AAA last year.
2B Rikuu Nishida – Managed a standout average of .304 along with a .418 on-base percentage between high A and AA, also demonstrating remarkable speed with 49 stolen bases.
RP Trey McGough – The talented left-handed reliever, acquired for Eloy, is poised to prove his worth following his reach to AAA last season.
Opening Day Lineup:
SS – Amed Rosario
2B – Rikuu Nishida
LF – Andrew Benintendi
1B – Andrew Vaughn
RF – Tim Elko
DH – Miguel Vargas
3B – Bryan Ramos
C – Korey Lee
CF – Victor Scott II
Bench:
IF – Brooks Baldwin
OF – Dominic Fletcher
UTL – Garrett Hampson
C – Thomas Nido
Starting Rotation:
SP – Anthony DeSclafani
SP – Davis Martin
SP – Drew Thorpe
SP – Chris Flexen
SP – Sean Burke
RP – Trey McGough
RP – Jordan Leasure
RP – Prelander Berroa
RP – Fraser Ellard
RP – Gus Varland
RP – Steven Wilson
RP – Caleb Ferguson
CP – Lucas Sims
CLOSING:
It’s disheartening that many of the assets potentially acquired may not debut until 2025. Nevertheless, securing three players yet to approach their twentieth birthday is undoubtedly promising. The White Sox are embarking on a lengthy rebuilding process, which calls for patience and a commitment to developing talent without the rush to acquire mid-tier veterans like Miguel Vargas.
Prediction: +8 wins – 49-113
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