3 free agents for the Chicago White Sox to target this offseason
Who can the struggling Chicago White Sox sign in free agency to help them compete again?
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.
2. Brandon Crawford
After the White Sox declined the $14 million club option on shortstop Tim Anderson, new general manager Chris Getz announced that the club was looking to add a short-term veteran via free agency to fill the void at shortstop. One name that comes to mind is Brandon Crawford.
At 36 years old, it's not crazy to say that Crawford is past his prime, but he has had an illustrious career with the San Francisco Giants. Through his 11-year career with the Giants, Crawford was a part of two World Series-winning teams, has won four Gold Glove awards, been named an All-Star three times, and won a Silver Slugger award. His home run power paired with reliable defense would give the Sox some security at the position while they await the arrival of highly touted prospect Colson Montgomery.
At this stage of Crawford's career, it is unlikely that he will be handed a big contract in free agency, and the White Sox could use some veteran leadership and experience if they can get it at the right price.
3. Michael Lorenzen
With the departure of starting pitchers Lucas Giolito, Lance Lynn, and Mike Clevinger along with the trade rumors surrounding Dylan Cease, the White Sox would be foolish not to go after a starting pitcher in free agency. While many of the premier starters on the open market will be eying deals in the $20-25 million AAV range, the Sox could find some stability in their rotation at a fair cost in Michael Lorenzen.
Lorenzen was having a great season with the Detroit Tigers, posting a 3.58 ERA in 105.2 innings pitched, and being named an All-Star for the first time in his career. He was dealt to the Philadelphia Phillies at the trade deadline and threw a no-hitter not long after his arrival. He went on to struggle after that and was moved to a bullpen role in the Phillies' run later in the season, but he should easily have a rotation spot in 2024.
Spotrac currently has Lorenzen's market value at around $9.2 million AAV, which is very fair considering the high demand in this year's free-agent pitching class. Inconsistency in the starting rotation was one of the White Sox's biggest problems last year, and the addition of Lorenzen has the potential to stabilize the rotation without breaking the bank.
MLB prediction: 5 longshots who could contend in 2024. MLB prediction: 5 longshots who could contend in 2024. dark. Next