#22
Several years ago, the White Sox started a massive rebuild, bringing in loads of top prospects. As a handful of these prospects are now in the big leagues, will the White Sox take a step towards contending in 2019?
2018 Predictions
3rd in AL Central
Michael Kopech will be in the top three for the 2018 AL Rookie of the Year.
2018 Results
62-100, 4th in AL Central
I thought 2018 would be the year the White Sox would start to turn a corner. However, they had a 100 loss season instead. Many of their top prospects that are now in the big leagues have yet to produce the numbers their talent projected. As for Michael Kopech, the hard-throwing right hander went down with Tommy John soon after he made his debut and won't be available again until 2020. For a team that has a lot of potential, 2018 was a disappointment.
Additions / Subtractions
Many of the White Sox offseason moves were minor, however their offseason, like several others, was defined by the move they were not able to make. They brought in veteran Ivan Nova to eat some innings in the rotation. They also traded catcher Omar Narvaez to the Mariners for closer Alex Colome. Filling in some depth are veterans John Jay, Yonder Alonso, Welington Castillo, and James McCann. However, they wanted Manny Machado. Many speculated the Jay and Alonso moves were only made because they were Manny's best friends. When he chose to sign in San Diego instead, this offseason was looked at as a disappointment.
Most Important Hitter
Yoan Moncada
This is the same answer I gave to this question last year. I try to mix it up with different people each season, but no one else stands out. Yoan Moncada was the centerpiece of the Chris Sale trade to the Red Sox a few seasons ago. Touted as one of the best prospects in baseball, Moncada has yet to produce on his promise in the big leagues, having a career 97 OPS+ (below league average) and leading the league in strikeouts last season. The good news is he is only entering his age 24 season. He has been learning on the job for the past few seasons. However, if the White Sox are going to turn the necessary corner to make this rebuild a success, Moncada needs to become the All Star everyone thought he would be.
Most Important Pitcher
Lucas Giolito
Lucas Giolito is in a very similar position as Moncada. He was my pick for this spot last year. He was the centerpiece of one of their blockbuster deals a few years ago, in this case it was the Adam Eaton deal with the Nationals. He was once a top prospect in baseball. He has also underwhelmed since joining the White Sox. In Giolito's case, this underwhelming has been significant. Last season, he posted a 6.13 ERA and a 68 ERA+ (league average is 100). He led the league in earned runs and walks while posting a -1.3 WAR. Reynaldo Lopez, the lesser prospect in the Eaton trade, has massively outperformed Giolito in every way to this point. With all that said, like Moncada, Giolito is only entering his age 24 season. He has plenty of time to get better and develop. However, the clock is ticking a little more on Giolito with the amount of top end pitching developing in the White Sox system. Giolito needs to start producing, not only to help the White Sox succeed, but to keep a spot in the major leagues.
Prospect to Watch
Eloy Jimenez
Everyone has heard of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Many have heard of Fernando Tatis Jr. However, the consensus third best prospect in baseball has flown under the radar, possibly because he doesn't have the famous fathers of the top two. He has the potential to be every bit as impactful though. Eloy Jimenez was a centerpiece of another blockbuster trade a few years back, this time it was the Jose Quintana deal with the Cubs. This 6'4" rightfielder was always thought to be a top prospect, but then he went off in 2018, hitting .337 with 22 home runs and 75 RBI's between AA and AAA, while garnering comparisons to Giancarlo Stanton. This 22 year old has proven he is ready to make an immediate impact this season. Look for the service time to be manipulated as he starts the season in AAA and then make his debut in mid-April. Once he is called up, watch out!
2019 Prediction
3rd in AL Central
The White Sox have to turn a corner this season. With as horrible as the bottom of this division is, they need to prove this whole rebuild is working in the right direction. A .500 record would be a huge success. This 3rd place finish would be a step in the right direction. Especially if Eloy Jimenez has a breakout season, this looks realistic. Another 100 loss season might lead to manager Rick Renteria, as well as the entire front office, getting fired.
Fearless Prediction
Eloy Jimenez will win the 2019 AL Rookie of the Year
All eyes are on Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to walk away with this title. However, this has the potential to be a lot of pressure on young Vlad, and starting the year injured might hold him back. Like I said, Jimenez might be under the radar now, but that will change as soon as he debuts. There is a good chance Eloy outshines Vlad Jr. this year and takes this title away from him.
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