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3 players for Chicago White Sox to target this offseason

By David Hill |
Aug 30, 2022; Anaheim, California, USA; New York Yankees left fielder Andrew Benintendi (18) follows through on a solo home run in the first inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 30, 2022; Anaheim, California, USA; New York Yankees left fielder Andrew Benintendi (18) follows through on a solo home run in the first inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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The Chicago White Sox had already dominated headlines with their quest to find a manager this offseason.

After a drawn out process with multiple favorites, rumors of a manager being hired only for more interviews to happen, and reasons to question what is going on in Chicago, Pedro Grifol is now on the bench. It is up to him to guide what had been one of the more disappointing teams in the majors back to the postseason.

Three potential targets for Chicago White Sox

The talent is there. The White Sox have the pieces in place to return to the postseason and go on a deep run. However, there are holes throughout the roster that need to be addressed. Now that Grifol is in place and is putting together his coaching staff, the White Sox can now turn their attention to fixing the roster.

Which players should the Chicago White Sox target as they look to return to the postseason? Here are three possible options.

Andrew Benintendi

The Chicago White Sox had three different players get most of the playing time in left last season – Eloy Jimenez, AJ Pollock, and Andrew Vaughn. None of them should see much playing time in left next year.

Pollock is heading to free agency, having turned down his $13 million player option for 2023. Jimenez is better suited for a designated hitter role given his defensive limitations. Vaughn is likely heading to first base as Jose Abreu is a free agent and the White Sox have not displayed much urgency in bringing him back.

There is a perfect option available in free agency. Andrew Benintendi would be the defensive presence that the White Sox need in left, a former Gold Glove winner coming off of his first All Star season. His ability to make contact and get on base would also make him an ideal fit atop their lineup, giving the heart of their order someone to drive in.

Benintendi would not be cheap. He may be the best corner outfielder available on the market that is not named Aaron Judge. There are plenty of teams that need help in the outfield that could use Benintendi’s services as they look to build a contending roster. At the same time, he would be a perfect fit for the White Sox going forward.

The Chicago White Sox need to find a viable option in left field. Andrew Benintendi would be a perfect fit.

Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Brandon Drury

Second base has been a black hole for the Chicago White Sox for nearly two decades. One has to go back to Alexi Ramirez in 2008 for the last time the White Sox primary second baseman had an OPS+ over 100 over a full season, excluding the pandemic shortened 2020 campaign.

Suffice to say, that was the case again in 2022. Josh Harrison disappointed and is back in free agency. Tony La Russa may have been the only person in the universe that felt Leury Garcia should be in the starting lineup on a consistent basis. This is an area where the White Sox have to upgrade and do so in an emphatic way.

While Brandon Drury is a risk, he would also be the perfect option if he can replicate his 2022 campaign. He posted a career best 122 OPS+ with 28 homers and 31 doubles, providing the type of pop that the White Sox could use from the position. The question is whether or not this is breakout campaign that is a sign of things to come or a one year fluke.

Should the White Sox feel that Drury is set to break out, he would be an excellent fit in their lineup. Not only would he solve their issues at second, but he has also spent time around the infield and both corner outfield positions. As Yoan Moncada has not exactly been consistent from year to year, making Drury a valuable backup option at the hot corner as well.

Brandon Drury fits several holes on the Chicago White Sox roster. It is just a matter of bringing him in.

Mandatory Credit: Aaron Josefczyk-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Aaron Josefczyk-USA TODAY Sports /

Johnny Cueto

As it is, the Chicago White Sox rotation is fairly well set for 2023.

Lucas Giolito, Lance Lynn, Michael Kopech, and Dylan Cease would appear to be a solid quartet for any pitching staff. However, Lynn and Giolito battled injuries and ineffectiveness, Kopech needs to take another step forward, and Cease needs to show that he can replicate that type of performance. Getting a solid fifth starter could make a dramatic difference for the White Sox.

The White Sox found that in an unlikely place in 2022. Johnny Cueto signed a minor league deal just before the season started and returned to the majors in the middle of May. From that point, he was one of their more dependable starters, eating innings and showing that he still has something left now that he is healthy once again.

Cueto feels that he has another two or three years left in the tank. He also indicated that he would like to return to the White Sox, something that could make sense as they look for a more proven option for their fifth starter spot. Even if he does not replicate his success from 2022, he could be the right option in the back of their rotation.

The Chicago White Sox need another piece in the back of their rotation. Johnny Cueto could be that perfect fit once again.

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