#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?
#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.
