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Cardinals, Mets and more: Ranking the 5 most disappointing MLB teams in the first half

By Scott Roche

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JUNE 06: Pete Alonso #20 of the New York Mets reacts after striking out in the ninth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on June 06, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JUNE 06: Pete Alonso #20 of the New York Mets reacts after striking out in the ninth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on June 06, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Lucas Giolito, White Sox
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 04: Starting pitcher Lucas Giolito #27 of the Chicago White Sox delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Guaranteed Rate Field on October 04, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /

Chicago White Sox have struggled despite a roster that should be contending

Let’s be honest, playing .500 baseball is not that hard in the AL Central. The Cleveland Guardians led the way at 45-45, followed by the Minnesota Twins at 45-46. The Detroit Tigers are 5.5 games back, followed by the Chicago White Sox at 38-54.

Entering the season, the White Sox were a team that was ready to make a move in the division and possibly win it. While it can still happen, it seems unlikely that they will and they will become sellers at the trade deadline.

They signed outfielder Andrew Benintendi in free agency to a franchise record five-year, $75 million contract to play beside Luis Robert in centerfield and he also provides a left-handed bat they needed. The problem with the White Sox this season is that they have not been able to play with any consistency in a division where consistency gets you near the top at the break.

Pitchers Lucas Giolito, Lance Lynn, Dylan Cease, and Joe Kelly will get some interest at the trade deadline, while it’s not out of the possibility that they entertain offers on shortstop Tim Anderson. There are more disappointing teams than the White Sox, but given the situation in the division, this feels like it’s going to turn into a missed opportunity when all is said and done after game No. 162.

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