MLB: Ranking the Teams That Will Regress in 2017
By Jason Reed
3. Chicago White Sox
- 2016 Record: 78-84
- Projected 2017 Record: 70-92 (Difference: -8)
The Chicago White Sox had a very active off-season, an active off-season that many consider a win. The White Sox managed to boost their farm system to one of, if not the, best farm systems in baseball. The White Sox parted ways with Chris Sale and Adam Eaton to gain notable names such as Yoan Moncada and Reynaldo Lopez. That is just scratching the surface however, as they acquired much more and likely could bring in even more young talent by dealing Jose Quintana. That would definitely give the White Sox one or two more top 100 prospects, and make them the undeniable best farm in baseball.
As promising as that all is however, they will most likely be pretty bad in 2017. I think giving them a 70 win season may be a bit generous. With the loss of one of baseball’s best arms and a stellar outfielder they will most certainly take a step back in 2017. That is okay though, as the White Sox plan likely is to take one step back, and then two steps forward. If they deal Quintana, they still have Todd Frazier and Jose Abreu to build around, but that would need time. Heck, they may even deal Frazier, which puts more emphasis on their youth.
In a few years I am sure they will be reaping the benefits. They will be on the brink of breaking out, like this year’s Yankees, and could be World Series contenders. Sure, all of these prospects could turn out to be flops, but if they live up to their potential the White Sox will be fantastic one year. However, 2017 is not that year.