#2
The Chicago White Sox have some of the most exciting young talent in the league. Can a strong offseason turn a playoff appearance last season into a deep postseason run in 2021?
#15 - 2nd in AL Central
MIH - Eloy Jimenez
MIP - Lucas Giolito
PTW - Luis Robert
2020 Results
#8 - 35-25, 2nd in AL Central, lost in Wild Card Round
The Chicago White Sox continued to grow in 2020 as their young roster cracked the postseason. The season was highlighted by the play of first baseman Jose Abreu who won the AL MVP. They may not have advanced past the first round, it was an encouraging step in the right direction for this team that is starting to see the fruits of a rebuild that started a few years ago with the trade of Chris Sale.
Additions / Subtractions
The White Sox had one of the most active and fascinating offseasons leading into 2021. They updraded their rotation by trading for Lance Lynn from Texas. They upgraded their bullpen by signing one of the best closers in the league in Liam Hendriks. They added some veteran leadership to their lineup by signing former White Sox outfielder Adam Eaton. Then came one of the most talked about moves of the winter in the hiring of 76 year old Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa after a decade of retirement.
Most Important Hitter
Yoan Moncada
Yoan Moncada broke out in 2019 with a stellar season, hitting .315 with 25 homers and finishing with a career high 139 OPS+. He followed that up in 2020 with a rough season, only hitting .225 and a 93 OPS+. Especially with the injury to budding star Eloy Jimenez who will most of the season, Moncada needs a bounce back season to add depth to this lineup.
Most Important Pitcher
Dallas Keuchel
Back in 2015, Dallas Keuchel won a Cy Young for the Astros. After that season, he had varying success from 2016-2019 before signing with the White Sox leading into 2020. Last season, Keuchel was outstanding and made a great 1-2 punch at the top of the rotation with Lucas Giolito. Now he needs to repeat that success of last season. If he does, this rotation could be really good with Giolito at the top, Lance Lynn and Keuchel as the veteran 2-3, and the young phenoms filling up the back half.
Prospect to Watch
Nick Madrigal
The White Sox have 4 prospects in baseball's Top 100 Prospects, all of which will have opportunities to make a big impact on the big league roster. #13 prospect Matthew Vaughn will get at bats to start the season to try and fill the hole left by Eloy Jimenez, while #18 Michael Kopech and #89 Garrett Crochet have already seen the big leagues and will look to help either in the rotation or bullpen as they are two of the hardest throwers around. The player that will have the most opportunities to have a big year is second baseman Nick Madrigal. The 36th best prospect in baseball, Madrigal may be small at 5'8" but he knows how to hit. He got in 29 games last season and hit .340 in that time. He will start Opening Day at second and looks to be a fixture at the top of their lineup for years to come.
2021 Prediction
1st in AL Central, lose in World Series
This is my team to make the big leap in 2021. They seem to have a perfect roster to compete deep into the postseason with a great mix of veterans and budding stars both in their lineup and rotation. The injury to Eloy Jimenez does hurt, but their lineup should be deep enough to absorb that loss. I also love the addition of Tony La Russa who knows how to win. Over the last decade, he has been working in front offices around the league so he hasn't just been sitting at home. He knows the game better than almost anyone, and he will lead this team to new heights.
Fearless Prediction
Tony La Russa wins AL Manager of the Year.
If the White Sox are as good as I think they could be in 2021, this is an obvious win for Tony La Russa. What a way to make a comeback for the Hall of Famer!
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