The Chicago White Sox went all in on the 2021 season. They hired Tony La Russa as their manager with an eye towards winning the World Series, then made the moves they felt necessary to upgrade their pitching staff. Those moves continued at the trading deadline, with Craig Kimbrel being the headlining acquisition as the White Sox felt they had the pieces needed to win a championship.
Instead, they fell apart in the postseason. Kimbrel never acclimated to the eighth inning. While the White Sox were able to overcome their injury woes in a weak AL Central, that was not the case in the postseason.
Three moves for the Chicago White Sox
Now the White Sox enter the offseason in a different spot. The Tigers feel that they are ready to contend and are looking to take a run at the division. There are holes in the lineup and rotation. The White Sox front office has plenty of work to do if they are going to maintain their spot atop the AL Central.
The Chicago White Sox run atop the division may be in peril. Let’s look at three moves they should make in order to keep their postseason hopes alive.
Find an answer at second base
The Chicago White Sox moved on from their future at second base when they traded Nick Madrigal as part of the deal to land Kimbrel. To make up for that, they acquired Cesar Hernandez, who had an affordable option for the 2022 campaign.
The problem was that Hernandez was unable to live up to his end of the bargain. His production completely tanked in Chicago and even his usually solid defense fell apart. As the White Sox were able to decline his option without a buy-out, that was an easy decision to make.
This now leaves the White Sox to look for a second baseman. Marcus Semien is the obvious prize, but he has stated a preference to either be in Toronto or on the west coast. His impressive 2021 campaign may also price him outside of what ownership would be willing to spend.
Fortunately, there are other options. Chris Taylor is going to be in high demand due to his ability to play virtually anywhere, but he should cost significantly less than Semien. Josh Harrison is another option, but he would be a one year gamble with the hope that Lenyn Sosa will be ready to handle second in 2023. Of course, they could also look to bring Hernandez back at a reduced salary.
The Chicago White Sox need to find a second baseman. Fortunately, they have several options to choose from.