Chicago White Sox learning from division rivals

The Chicago White Sox have added to their bullpen this offseason. If they are going to contend in the AL Central, they may be taking a page from their division rivals.

After going through the pain of rebuilding, the Chicago White Sox have their sights set on contending in 2019. They have been looking to make a major splash in free agency, having courted both Manny Machado and Bryce Harper. Likewise, the White Sox have resisted the efforts of other teams to acquire Jose Abreu, keeping the pending free agent in their lineup.

As it is, the White Sox have been busy this offseason. They brought in James McCann to help upgrade their catching, although they may not be done with the position just yet. Yonder Alonso was acquired in a trade, giving Chicago another option for first or the designated hitter role. Ivan Nova was brought in to help add a veteran presence to the rotation.

And yet, the White Sox best moves have involved their bullpen. Former Rays closer Alex Colome was brought in from Seattle, presumably to serve as their closer. Then, on Monday, the White Sox added Kelvin Herrera as a free agent, signing the former divisional foe to a two year deal with a vesting option for a third year.

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In bringing in Colome and Herrera, the White Sox have begun to put together a solid bullpen. Nate Jones, when healthy, has been a valuable option, capable of filling any role needed in relief. Jace Fry has the potential to be a dominant lefty specialist, holding left handed hitters to an anemic .165/.257/.227 batting line with 12 walks and 35 strikeouts in 109 plate appearances.

While the White Sox could use another proven commodity or two in the bullpen, it is hard to argue against the current construction. They have heeded the lessons taught by the Royals and Indians, both of which used dominant bullpens to take control of the Central.

Obviously, the White Sox have a long way to go to truly compete for the division, even if the Indians have been weakened in free agency. And, the White Sox do need another arm or two in order to build the type of bullpen that can be the perfect weapon backing up a younger, relatively inexperienced rotation. However, the foundation is there, even if the eyes of White Sox fans are on other targets.

The Chicago White Sox have the makings of a strong bullpen for the coming year. With another addition or two, that bullpen could turn into a viable weapon, just like they experienced when facing the Royals and Indians over the past few years.