Chicago White Sox 2018 Season Preview
The Chicago White Sox have gone from a rebuilding team to a dark horse playoff contender in a hurry.
At this time last year, the Chicago White Sox had begun their rebuilding process. Chris Sale and Adam Eaton were gone, and several other players departed during the 2017 season. With a 67-95 record, and a tough division in the AL Central, the White Sox appeared to be years away from actually contending.
Then came the offseason. Aside from the ridiculous rumors that Chicago was looking to trade for Manny Machado as a one year rental, the White Sox did quite well to bolster their roster. The bullpen is stronger than it had been, and Miguel Gonzalez has returned, giving another veteran option for the young rotation. Welington Castillo inked a two year deal, and should provide solid production until catching prospect Zack Collins is ready for the majors.
There is no question that the White Sox are a young team, and one that will have several bumps along the way. However, that future is starting to arrive, with Lucas Giolito and Carson Fulmer part of the rotation, and phenom Michael Kopesh soon to follow. Yoan Moncada is back at second, paired with Tim Anderson, giving the White Sox a double play combination they hope will remain for the better part of the next decade.
The future is bright for the Chicago White Sox. With a little bit of luck, and some quick development from their young players, the White Sox could surprise this year as well.
Chicago White Sox additions and subtractions
Key additions: Welington Castillo, Joakim Soria, Luis Avilan, Miguel Gonzalez
Newcomer to watch: Welington Castillo. Last season, the Chicago White Sox barely received any power from the catching position. That will change with Castillo behind the plate.
Despite playing in only 96 games for the Orioles last season, Castillo continued to impress in the power department. He posted a career best .282/.323/.490 batting line, hitting 20 homers and driving in 53 runs. Castillo also performed well defensively, saving six runs and throwing out an American League best 49% of would be base stealers.
Having such a strong defensive backstop as Castillo will certainly help the White Sox pitching staff. He can help the young starters find themselves, controlling the game and letting them focus on improving as the season goes along. Castillo has been through the battles, and with his glove and bat, will help the White Sox take those next steps forward.
Notable losses: Derek Holland
Biggest loss: Derek Holland. When you’re the only really notable loss, that makes you the biggest loss as well.
After years of being a solid pitcher with the Rangers, Holland bombed in Chicago. He posted a 6.20 ERA and a 1.711 WHiP. His command deserted him, as Holland walked 75 batters in 135 innings, albeit with 104 strikeouts. He just never seemed right, seemingly nursing an injury although he was reportedly healthy all season.
Despite those struggles, a pitcher like Holland could be a solid influence on the young Chicago White Sox. He has been through the battles, having pitched in the postseason and overcome major injuries. However, there just is not any room for Holland on the roster, even if he was healthy.
Expectations for the Chicago White Sox in 2018
The AL Central may be a two team race between the Twins and Indians, but one should not count out the Chicago White Sox as a dark horse contender.
More from Call to the Pen
- Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
- Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
- Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
- Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
- 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals
Some of the pieces are already in place for that run to happen. The bullpen is stronger, with Joakim Soria and Nate Jones as co-closers. Danny Farquhar and Luis Avilan are decent options as setup men. If James Shields can be close to useful, and the young starters take that step forward in their development, the White Sox rebuild could prove to be moving along faster than expected.
Yes, there are questions in the lineup. We all know that Jose Abreu will do what he does best – hit 30+ homers and drive in 100+ runs as he has in each of his first four seasons. Avisail Garcia finally became the player the White Sox hoped he would become, proving to be a solid all around hitter. Welington Castillo adds another power bat to the lineup. If Matt Davidson and Tim Anderson can make more contact, the offense could be good enough.
But, again, it comes down to those younger players. Can Yoan Moncada tap into his immense potential? Can Tim Anderson be that dynamic leadoff hitter the White Sox expect him to be? Can Lucas Giolito and Carson Fulmer take steps to becoming the solid starters they were expected to become? Even if half of those answers are affirmative, the White Sox could hover around .500 for the season.
Next: End the ban on Shoeless Joe
The Chicago White Sox rebuild is moving along better than anyone could have imagined. with some luck, and quick development, they could make some noise in the AL Central. Prediction: Third place in the AL Central.