Last season was an absolute disaster for the Chicago White Sox. Lackluster pitching, inconsistent hitting, and well below-average defense were just a few of the problems that the South Siders faced in their frustrating 2023 campaign that saw them go 61-101, in the middle of what was supposed to be a championship window for the franchise.
After parting ways with All-Star shortstop Tim Anderson and veteran closer Liam Hendriks along with dealing away several big names including Lucas Giolito, Lance Lynn, Jake Burger, and Joe Kelly at the trade deadline, the White Sox roster looks as thin as it has since the beginning of the supposed championship run in 2019, if not worse. Many assume that the White Sox will be targeting safe contracts on the cheaper side in free agency to fill the numerous holes in their roster.
These are a few names that I could see on the Chicago White Sox in 2024
1. Whit Merrifield
Whit Merrifield's name has been heavily associated with the White Sox after his $18 million mutual option was declined by the Toronto Blue Jays for the 2024 season. Merrifield is a good contact hitter who consistently puts up around a .270 batting average, which would have been one of the best on the White Sox in 2023. He also has a good ability to get on base, and even though he is not as fast as Ronald Acuña Jr. or Trea Turner, he runs the bases quickly and smartly.
Something else he provides that can help the Sox is good defense, something the White Sox lack big time. His flexibility at second base and right field make him a perfect fit for the White Sox, and this is all without mentioning his solid relationship with the White Sox manager, Pedro Grifol.
Spotrac currently has Merrifield's market value in the area of $6.5 million AVV (average annual value), which should be well within Chicago's price range.