Call to the pen
Fansided

The unlikely MLB free agency crashers of 2020

By Bill Felber

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 28: Chris Sale #41 of the Boston Red Sox delivers the pitch during the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game Five of the 2018 World Series at Dodger Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 28: Chris Sale #41 of the Boston Red Sox delivers the pitch during the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game Five of the 2018 World Series at Dodger Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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MLB free agency
CHICAGO, IL – JUNE 23: The Chicago White Sox logo painted on the field of the game between the Oakland Athletics and the Chicago White Sox on June 23, 2017 at Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Chicago White Sox

Much has been written about the White Sox’ supposed pursuit of Bryce Harper or Manny Machado. One of the best reasons for the South Siders to chill that kind of talk is the flexibility such a signing would cost them for 2020.

Before any free agent discussion makes much sense, of course, the Sox have to show progress on the field. That means their roster of so-far disappointing trade acquisitions – Yohan Moncada, Eloy Jimenez, Reynald Lopez and the like – has to lift the club’s chances out of the realm of the moribund. The Sox haven’t won more games than they’ve lost in six seasons.

Obviously, however, there’s room for an AL Central team to improve. And, like the Twins, if the White Sox do – and if they don’t hamstring themselves by signing Harper or Machado – they will be superbly positioned to be aggressive in 2020.

As it now stands, Chicago has just $6.75 million in 2020 commitments, a fraction of what could be a $100 million (or higher) payroll next year. Almost all of that is tied up in shortstop Tim Anderson, likely to be a bargain at $4 million.

They do have one significant potential free agent, first baseman Jose Abreu. If the Sox stumble in 2019, he’ll be a trade chip. But if the team shows potential, they’ll have the wherewithal to re-sign him and/or pursue one of the numerous other mid-order bats: Castellanos, Yasiel Puig, Marcel Ozuna, Goldschmidt, Rendon, Arenado, Aaron Hicks – who could be available.

They could also pursue a re-union with a former South Sider, free agent-to-be left hander Chris Sale.

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