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.
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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.
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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.