2024 Pre-Season Profile: Chicago White Sox

 #27

The Chicago White Sox entered 2023 with one of the most talented rosters in baseball, then they lost 100 games.  Could they have a better record in 2024 after trading away much of their roster?

2023 Predictions

#8 - 1st in AL Central, lose in ALDS

MIH - Luis Robert Jr.

MIP - Lucas Giolito

PTW - Oscar Colas

FP - Andrew Vaughn has a better season in 2023 than Jose Abreu.

2023 Results

#27 - 61-101, 4th in AL Central

Highest WAR (Position) - Luis Robert Jr.

Highest WAR (Pitcher) - Mike Clevinger

There was a version of the 2023 season where the Chicago White Sox won the division.  It honestly seemed more likely that happened than they lose 100 games.  Yet here we are.  Direct quote from last year's article, "I have been really high on this team for three years in a row now...  If the White Sox fail me again, I'm out."  Well, it looks like the White Sox gave up too, starting to unload talent mid-season.  I will say, one of my favorite fearless predictions last year did pay off.  Neither had great seasons, but Andrew Vaughn finished with a 101 OPS+, .743 OPS, 21 homers, 80 RBI's, and a 0.9 WAR.  Former White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu had an 87 OPS+, .680 OPS, 18 homers, 90 RBI's, and a 0.0 WAR.  Advantage (barely) goes to Vaughn.  I guess the White Sox made one right decision entering 2023.

Additions / Subtractions

The White Sox were quite active this off-season.  Gone are Yasmani Grandal, Elvis Andrus, Tim Anderson, Seby Zavala, Mike Clevinger, Kendall Graveman, Gregory Santos, Aaron Bummer ... and that's not even including the mid-season trades last year of Jake Burger, Lucas Giolito, Lance Lynn, and Reynaldo Lopez.  The addition list is nowhere near as impressive.  Entering the fold for 2024 are starters Michael Soroka, Erick Fedde, Chris Flexen, catcher Martin Maldonado, and infielders Nicky Lopez and Paul DeJong.

Most Important Hitter

Eloy Jimenez

No one on the White Sox roster better encapsulates this latest White Sox run than Eloy Jimenez.  Ever since he was acquired from the cross-town rival Cubs in 2017 in the Jose Quintana trade, Jimenez has been one of the most talented players on the White Sox roster.  However, injuries have kept Eloy from reaching his full potential, topping out at 122 games over the last 5 seasons, and that was his rookie year when he hit 31 homers.  Since then, his only other season over 100 games had him reaching 120 games and 18 homers.  The good news is that was last season.  This is the last year before Eloy hits free agency, and the hope of a healthy Jimenez leaves him as one of the most intriguing trade chips at the Trade Deadline.  As the White Sox are resetting the whole roster, a strong start from the slugger would bring back a maximum return in a trade.

Most Important Pitcher

Dylan Cease

Through all the turnover on the White Sox roster this off-season, possibly the biggest story was the move they didn't make.  Dylan Cease is still on the White Sox roster.  The Cy Young runner up in 2022 was nowhere near as effective in 2023, but with two years left before free agency, Cease remains a very hot commodity on the trade market.  Probably the only reason he wasn't traded was the very high asking price.  Now, just like Eloy Jimenez, the best thing Cease can do for the White Sox is start the year off as his 2022 self to bring back the king's ransom the White Sox want for their ace at the Trade Deadline or even next off-season.

Prospect to Watch

Colson Montgomery

The White Sox farm system is starting this rebuild in a not great spot, ranking 20th overall by MLB Pipeline with only 2 players in the Top 100 prospects.  However, one of those prospects is the 9th best prospect in baseball.  Colson Montgomery is a 22 year old shortstop that the White Sox took in the 1st round in 2021.  Drawing comparisons to Corey Seager as a tall, athletic, lefty hitting shortstop, his development and eventual debut in 2024 might be why face of the franchise Tim Anderson is no longer on the roster.  After the All Star Break, look for Montgomery to be called up simply so that the White Sox have something to cheer for.  They really need a win after last year's prospect to watch, Oscar Colas, flamed out spectacularly in 2023 and is barely considered a part of their long term plans anymore.

2024 Prediction

5th in AL Central

The White Sox might be the only team right now entering full rebuild mode.  With that said, thanks to their division, they are not guaranteed the cellar this season.  They also aren't done with their roster reset either.  It was bad last year when they were trying to be good.  It might be better this year as they start to try and be bad.  They do have further to go before they fully bottom out and build back up though.

Fearless Predictions

Eloy Jimenez and Dylan Cease will not be traded due to injuries.

Knowing the luck of the White Sox over the last handful of seasons, it would only make sense if their two best trade chips during a rebuild have injury-riddled seasons making them near untradable.  So of course that's what is going to happen.  It would be the perfect ending to one of the worst potential championship runs in recent memory.

2023 Pre-Season Profile: Chicago White Sox

 #8

The Chicago White Sox underwhelmed in 2022 and missed the playoffs.  Will a new manager change the fate of the franchise before their championship window closes?

2022 Predictions

#3 - 1st in AL Central, lose in ALCS

MIH - Luis Robert

MIP - Michael Kopech

PTW - Yoelqui Cespedes

2022 Results

#16 - 81-81, 2nd in AL Central

Highest WAR (Position) - Jose Abreu

Highest WAR (Pitcher) - Dylan Cease

Almost everything about 2022 for the Chicago White Sox was a disappointment.  Many of their established stars either fought injuries or struggles throughout the year.  However, the biggest disappointment seemed to come from their Hall of Fame manager Tony LaRussa.  Some questionable decisions and erratic behavior had everyone questioning if he was still able to do the job.  He ended up stepping away from the team for the last month for health concerns.  No matter how the season went, watching Tony LaRussa became the distraction that dominated most of the story around this team in 2022.  I said most of the story.  The one positive to come out of 2022 was the emergence of Dylan Cease.  If it wasn't for an other-worldly season from the ageless Justin Verlander, Cease would have won the Cy Young with his insane 180 ERA+.

Additions / Subtractions

The White Sox have a pretty established core.  This offseason was all about complementing it.  That job started with the hiring of new manager Pedro Grifol.  Then, starter Mike Clevinger was brought in to round out the rotation after the departure of Johnny Cueto.  Andrew Benintendi was signed to fill in the leftfield hole left by A.J. Pollock.  Former MVP Jose Abreu left in free agency and was replaced internally.  Possibly the most unexpected change in the roster was closer Liam Hendriks being diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.  No timetable on recovery or return has been given yet, but it sounds like the best case scenario is a return in June.

Most Important Hitter

Luis Robert Jr.

So much of what the White Sox do offensively revolves around Luis Robert Jr.  The team clicks and wins when he is on the field.  That's the problem though.  In 2021, he was held to 68 games.  In 2022, he played in 98 games.  Robert is starting to feel a little like Byron Buxton in that he is one of the most dynamic players in the game as long as he can stay on the field.  Especially with losing the consistency provided by Jose Abreu, the White Sox need Robert to be on the field as much as possible.  With him only entering his age 25 season, the hope is the health will come.

Most Important Pitcher

Lucas Giolito

If you were to ask anyone after the 2021 season who was the best starting pitcher for the White Sox, the answer would probably be Lucas Giolito.  He had gone from being one of baseball's top prospects to complete bust to All Star.  Well, 2022 saw another mood swing in the colorful career of Giolito.  He was the White Sox worst starter in 2022 with a 4.90 ERA and an 81 ERA+.  With the emergence of Dylan Cease, the consistency of Lance Lynn, and the dynamic talent of Michael Kopech, the starting rotation has the potential to be elite.  With that said, to be elite, Giolito has to be better.  He made some mechanics changes over the offseason.  Hopefully it produces results.

Prospect to Watch

Oscar Colas

The White Sox had a huge wave of talent that hit the big leagues a few years ago.  This left a depleted farm system that hasn't recovered yet.  Currently, the White Sox have 2 prospects in the Top 100 with the most intriguing for 2023 being outfielder Oscar Colas.  This 24 year old Cuban import was signed by the White Sox in January 2022, and in one season in the organization, he moved from High-A to Triple-A while hitting .314 and 23 home runs.  Watch for Colas to get a chance to play rightfield or even centerfield if Luis Robert Jr. struggles with injuries again.

2023 Prediction

1st in AL Central, lose in ALDS

This might be an odd pick, especially after the success of the Guardians last season and the dumpster fire the White Sox were at times last season.  However, through all the chaos in 2022, the White Sox were a .500 team.  If they can get some stability and some health, it is very realistic for the White Sox to return to the postseason.  It might be a stretch to say they could compete for a championship in 2023, but there is a version of this season that could end that way.  At the same time, I have been really high on this team for three years in a row now.  I had them in the World Series in 2021 and the ALCS in 2022.  If the White Sox fail me again, I'm out.

Fearless Prediction

Andrew Vaughn has a better season in 2023 than Jose Abreu.

Andrew Vaughn was the 3rd overall pick in the 2019 Draft, and the White Sox have been waiting for him to become a star.  Last season, Vaughn took a big enough step forward that they felt good enough to let Jose Abreu leave in free agency and hand over first base to the kid.  Andrew Vaughn has this potential in him, and the White Sox are hoping he breaks out.  Between Vaughn's potential and Abreu's age, I see this hot take having a good chance to hit.

2022 MLB Pre-Season Predictions: #10-1

We may be over a week into the season, but I wanted to finish my predictions before we got too far in.  Here's the top 10!

#10

Philadelphia Phillies

2021 Prediction: #14, 4th in NL East

2021 Fearless Prediction: Joe Girardi will be fired after the season.

2021 Result: #15, 82-80, 2nd in NL East

Most Important Hitter: Bryce Harper

Most Important Pitcher: Ranger Suarez

Prospect to Watch: Bryson Stott

2022 Prediction: 2nd in NL East, WILD CARD, lose in Wild Card Round

Bryce Harper rode a hot second half to the NL MVP.  If he is able to put another season together like that, it might finally be the time for this Phillies core group to make a postseason run.  If not, this will truly be the end of Joe Girardi's run in Philly.  It might also mean the dismantling of this roster.

#9

Los Angeles Angels

2021 Prediction: #16, 3rd in AL West

2021 Fearless Prediction: Justin Upton and Dexter Fowler will be traded for prospects at the Trade Deadline.

2021 Result: #19, 77-85, 4th in AL West

Most Important Hitter: Anthony Rendon

Most Important Pitcher: Noah Syndergaard

Prospect to Watch: Reid Detmers

2022 Prediction: 1st in AL West, lose in Wild Card Round

The success or failure of the Angels all has to do with health.  If Ohtani, Trout, Rendon, and Syndergaard all stay healthy for the majority of the season, then the Angels could surprise everyone and come away with this division.  Can you imagine the hysteria around the league if Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani finally play their first postseason games?  It would only make sense if they lose in the first round.

#8

Seattle Mariners

2021 Prediction: #22, 4th in AL West

2021 Fearless Prediction: The Mariners will have four straight Rookies of the Year.

2021 Result: #10, 90-72, 2nd in AL West

Most Important Hitter: Jesse Winker

Most Important Pitcher: Logan Gilbert

Prospect to Watch: Julio Rodriguez

2022 Prediction: 3rd in AL West, WILD CARD, lose in ALDS

As a Mariners fan, it scares me to place them this high in my preseason rankings.  Maybe that's why I'm predicting them to finish 3rd, but still make the playoffs and get out of the Wild Card Round.  The M's were a surprise success last year and have definitely upgraded the rotation and the lineup.  If everything pays off, the longest playoff draught around should end.

#7

Houston Astros

2021 Prediction: #13, 2nd in AL West

2021 Fearless Prediction: One of the Astros three core players left is playing their last season as an Astro.

2021 Result: #2, 95-67, 1st in AL West, lost in World Series

Most Important Hitter: Kyle Tucker

Most Important Pitcher: Justin Verlander

Prospect to Watch: Jeremy Pena

2022 Prediction: 2nd in AL West, WILD CARD, lose in ALDS

How many times can a team lose a superstar and not skip a beat?  After the 2019 season, Gerrit Cole (3rd in team WAR) signs with the Yankees.  After the 2020 season, George Springer (team leader in WAR) signs with the Blue Jays.  After the 2021 season, Carlos Correa (team leader in WAR) signs with the Twins.  Somehow they keep excelling.  They have to be coming to the end of this magical run though.

#6

San Diego Padres

2021 Prediction: #9, 2nd in NL West, WILD CARD, lose in Wild Card Game

2021 Fearless Prediction: The San Diego Padres will win the NL West in 2022.

2021 Result: #16, 79-83, 3rd in NL West

Most Important Hitter: Manny Machado

Most Important Pitcher: Yu Darvish

Prospect to Watch: C.J. Abrams

2022 Prediction: 2nd in NL West, WILD CARD, lose in NLDS

The Padres had an epic meltdown in 2021, going from one of the best teams in baseball in the first half to looking like a mess in the second half.  Now they have one of the best managers in the game, one of the best young stars in the game, and still one of the best storylines in the game.  The Padres are still ready to break out.  They might not win the division this year, but they have to take a step forward.

#5

Milwaukee Brewers

2021 Prediction: #15, 2nd in NL Central

2021 Fearless Prediction: The Brewers will have no offensive players make the All Star Team.

2021 Result: #3, 95-67, 1st in NL Central, lost in NLDS

Most Important Hitter: Christian Yelich

Most Important Pitcher: Corbin Burnes

Prospect to Watch: Ethan Small

2022 Prediction: 1st in NL Central, lose in NLDS

The Brewers rode one of the best pitching staffs in baseball to another playoff run.  They will need a repeat performance from the pitchers, led by reigning Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes, and a resurgence from former MVP Christian Yelich, to make a deep run in 2022.

#4

New York Mets

2021 Prediction: #7, 2nd in NL East, WILD CARD, lose in NLDS

2021 Fearless Prediction: Robinson Cano has played his last game in the big leagues.

2021 Result: #17, 77-85, 3rd in NL East

Most Important Hitter: Francisco Lindor

Most Important Pitcher: Max Scherzer

Prospect to Watch: Brett Baty

2022 Prediction: 1st in NL East, lose in NLCS

If it was possible to buy a championship, the Mets did so this offseason.  Max Scherzer, Starling Marte, Mark Canha, Chris Bassitt ... they definitely spent the most money over the offseason.  Now they have an All Star lineup with an old school veteran manager in Buck Showalter.  They just might have what it takes to make a deep run in 2022.

#3

Chicago White Sox

2021 Prediction: #2, 1st in AL Central, lose in World Series

2021 Fearless Prediction: Tony La Russa wins AL Manager of the Year.

2021 Result: #6, 93-69, 1st in AL Central, lose in ALDS

Most Important Hitter: Luis Robert

Most Important Pitcher: Michael Kopech

Prospect to Watch: Yoelqui Cespedes

2022 Prediction: 1st in AL Central, lose in ALCS

The White Sox have put together a terrific roster that looks ready to make a deep run in the postseason.  They have had some experience the last few years.  Even though they are starting the season with a bunch of injuries, they look ready to take another step forward this year.

#2

Los Angeles Dodgers

2021 Prediction: #3, 1st in NL West, lose in NLCS

2021 Fearless Prediction: This is the last year Clayton Kershaw wears Dodgers blue.

2021 Result: #2, 106-56, 2nd in NL West, lose in NLCS

Most Important Hitter: Cody Bellinger

Most Important Pitcher: Julio Urias

Prospect to Watch: Michael Busch

2022 Prediction: 1st in NL West, lose in World Series

The amount of talent on the Dodgers roster is borderline ridiculous.  To pick anyone other than the Dodgers to win it all should be considered controversial.  It's also extremely boring.  On top of that, the only time the Dodgers actually pulled out a championship during this run was the COVID-shortened 2020 season.  They will be right there again in 2022, but I have them just short once again.

#1

Toronto Blue Jays

2021 Prediction: #5, 2nd in AL East, WILD CARD, lose in ALDS

2021 Fearless Prediction: The Blue Jays will trade for a closer before Memorial Day.

2021 Result: #9, 91-71, 4th in AL East

Most Important Hitter: George Springer

Most Important Pitcher: Jose Berrios

Prospect to Watch: Gabriel Moreno

2022 Prediction: 1st in AL East, win World Series

No team has been through more adversity over the last two years than the Toronto Blue Jays.  The 2020 season was spent in Buffalo, the 2021 season was split between their Spring Training home, Buffalo, and finally Toronto when COVID protocols allowed the border to be opened enough to let them travel there.  They also play in probably the best division in baseball.  They also have one of the greatest young cores in the game.  They are battle tested, they have a perennial MVP candidate ... as long as their pitching can hold out, they have to be a candidate for the title.  I can see it happen in 2022!

2021 Pre-Season Profile: Chicago White Sox

 #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?

2020 Predictions

#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!

2019 Pre-Season Profile: Chicago White Sox

#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.

2018 MLB Pre-Season Profiles: #20-16

Unfortunately, this year I was not able to complete my pre-season profiles of each team before the season started.  I will complete the list with an abbreviated preview to each team left starting with #20-16.

#20

San Diego Padres

Most Important Hitter: Wil Myers

Most Important Pitcher: Brad Hand

Prospect to Watch: Luis Urias

2018 Prediction: 5th in NL West

Bold Prediction: The Padres will trade for a top-end starting pitcher mid-season.

The Padres are moving in the right direction.  Their problem is they are in possibly the most competitive division in baseball full of teams ready to win now.  If they keep on their current course, they will be competing for this division in the next few years.  With Eric Hosmer coming over from Kansas City, Wil Myers is transitioning into a crowded outfield.  Their best last player last year needs to show he is can still be elite even if he isn't the face of the franchise.  Same with Brad Hand.  A great year in 2017 has the Padres looking to Hand to be their closer.  He needs to show 2017 wasn't a fluke.  Look for the Padres' front to once again be aggressive at the Trade Deadline.  If guys like Chris Archer or another ace with years of club control left becomes available, look for the Padres to bolster their rotation by dealing one of their many outfielders.

#19

Philadelphia Phillies

Most Important Hitter: Maikel Franco & Odubel Herrera

Most Important Pitcher: Jake Arrieta

Prospect to Watch: Scott Kingery & J.P. Crawford

2018 Prediction: 3rd in NL East

Bold Prediction: This will be Gabe Kapler's only season as Phillies' manager.

The Phillies are another team starting to set themselves up to be a contender in a few seasons.  For them to be able to do this, Franco and Herrera need to show that they can be consistent enough to be stars and the centerpieces of this offense.  Jake Arrieta was brought in late in the offseason to mentor a young pitching staff.  If he gets back to his glory days in Chicago, he might be the best signing of the offseason.  Scott Kingery and J.P. Crawford will soon be mentioned as one of the best young double play combos in the league.  The only question is Gabe Kapler, managing for the first time and already getting a great deal of criticism.  He needs to improve quickly or else he may be in danger of being a one and done manager.

#18

Chicago White Sox

Most Important Hitter: Yoan Moncada

Most Important Pitcher: Lucas Giolito

Prospect to Watch: Michael Kopech

2018 Prediction: 3rd in AL Central

Bold Prediction: Michael Kopech will be in the top three for the 2018 AL Rookie of the Year.

No one remade their roster more efficiently and effectively than the White Sox did before the 2017 season.  Now all those prospects they got back are starting to hit the big leagues.  Guys like Moncada, Giolito, and Reynaldo Lopez need to start showing why everyone was excited about their future.  Watch out for guys like Michael Kopech and Eloy Jimenez to crash the party in 2018.  Kopech is a future stud that will quickly be one of the top rookie in the big leagues as soon as he makes his debut.

#17

Atlanta Braves

Most Important Hitter: Dansby Swanson

Most Important Pitcher: Julio Teheran

Prospect to Watch: Ronald Acuna

2018 Prediction: 2nd in NL East

Bold Prediction: Ronald Acuna will be the 2018 NL Rookie of the Year.

The Braves are still a year or two away from really competing, but a weak division will make them look better than they are.  It is time for former #1 pick Dansby Swanson to become an All Star caliber shortstop.  Julio Teheran has been the Braves' ace for awhile, more by default than anything, but his production needs to take a step forward before he is passed by guys like Mike Foltynewicz and Sean Newcomb.  Ronald Acuna might be the most exciting young player to yet make his major league debut.  When he does, watch out!

#16

Texas Rangers

Most Important Hitter: Rougned Odor

Most Important Pitcher: Matt Moore

Prospect to Watch: Willie Calhoun

2018 Prediction: 4th in AL West

Bold Prediction: Cole Hamels will be traded before the end of the season.

The Rangers seem to be stuck in this spot where they aren't quite competing, but they aren't quite losing either.  This year appears to be another one of those years, especially considering their division.  Rougned Odor has shown flashes of brilliance, but needs to get consistent.  Matt Moore they are hoping finally shows the greatness that made him a top prospect a few years ago.  This might be the year the Rangers finally decide to start to sell a little.  This could start with Cole Hamels, who is in the last year of his contract.


Stay tuned for more!