1 bold prediction for each American League Central team in 2023

By West Jones | Mar 4, 2023

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 14: Jose Ramirez #11 of the Cleveland Guardians celebrates defeating the New York Yankees 4-2 in ten innings in game two of the American League Division Series at Yankee Stadium on October 14, 2022 in New York, New York. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

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Aug 5, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Chicago White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson (7) throws to first base for an out during the seventh inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

Chicago White Sox: Back in the playoffs in 2023

The title says bold, so we are going bold! Not one, but two teams are going to make the playoffs from the American League Central this year and the Wild Card team is going to be the Chicago White Sox. There are some glaring issues at hand for the White Sox heading into the season. Closer Liam Hendriks is out indefinitely due to being treated for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, as well as Mike Clevinger’s status currently being unknown due to domestic violence and child abuse allegations. Even with those two players possibly missing significant time, this is a club that is brimming with talent.

Prior to the 2022 season, many people (me included) expected the White Sox to not only make the playoffs, but to make some serious noise once they got there. Neither of those things happened as the team finished with an 81-81 record and missed the playoffs altogether. Obviously, they have to be healthier than they were last season but, despite all of the health issues and having a manager in Tony La Russa who was not fit for the job last season, the team still finished at .500. They will be better this season and that is nearly a given.

Turning the page on 2022 and heading into a fresh start for 2023 is just what this club needed. New manager Pedro Grifol inherits a team that is poised to compete and return to the playoffs this year.

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