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.