Chicago White Sox add needed veteran starter in Ervin Santana
By David Hill
The Chicago White Sox have added another veteran starter in Ervin Santana, a piece that was needed in their starting rotation.
Despite missing out on Manny Machado, the Chicago White Sox still have designs on contending in the American League Central. The Indians have been weakened this offseason, and while the Twins have improved, the Tigers and Royals are still in the midst of their rebuild. The Central is there for the taking, and the White Sox could well force their way into contention with the right moves.
One of those needed pieces was added on Friday. The White Sox signed Ervin Santana to a minor league deal with an invitation to the major league camp. According to Jon Heyman, if he makes the major league roster, Santana would earn a $4.3 million base salary.
Ervin has 4.3M base if makes #chisox
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 22, 2019
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Santana is the second veteran pitcher that the White Sox have added, following their acquisition of Ivan Nova earlier in the offseason. He would certainly appear to have the inside track for the fifth starter role, as he is battling the duo of Manny Banuelos and Dylan Covey for the spot.
If healthy, Santana can be a solid middle of the rotation arm. From 2013 through 2017, he posted a 3.52 ERA and a 1.207 WHiP, striking out 738 batters against just 264 walks over his 907.2 innings. However, his 2018 season was lost due to injuries, as Santana posted an 8.03 ERA and a 1.622 WHiP over his 24.2 innings of work.
That lost season may well work out in the White Sox favor. If Lucas Giolito can recapture the form that made him a top prospect, and Carlos Rodon and Reynaldo Lopez can take another step forward in their development, the White Sox could have a solid starting rotation. Additions to the bullpen will help them to shorten the game, but having a veteran innings eater like Santana could go a long way towards helping Chicago contend in 2019.
Next. A move to third is what Moncada needs. dark
The Chicago White Sox have added a solid middle of the rotation arm in Ervin Santana. While he will not put them over the top, his presence gets them closer to that goal of contending in 2019.