2016 Chicago White Sox Starting Rotation Preview

Just missing out: Erik Johnson, Jacob Turner

Erik Johnson must have been devastated upon hearing the news of the Latos signing. Just two weeks ago he was signing autographs and taking pictures at SoxFest expecting to be a member of the White Sox starting rotation here in 2016, but his job as the token right-hander was stolen from him. Johnson, who was named the 2015 International League Pitcher of the Year while with the Triple-A Charlotte Knights had finally figured it out. He revealed to Tom Verducci how some mechanical adjustments had allowed him to regain the successes he had entering the 2014 season when he was the White Sox #2 prospect, behind Jose Abreu. By the start of last year he was not on the top ten lists he had that horrid a season two years ago. Once he fixed his mechanics though and was called up to Chicago in September, the former Cal Golden Bear showed he could pitch at the major league level. We may have to wait another year or for an injury to see if he can sustain that level of play past one month. Turner on the other hand was already a long shot to make the club out of spring training, but after being claimed off the Chicago Cubs in October, he was likely the sixth man, now he is the seventh and will need to have an absurdly strong March and some help from injuries to crack the club as they go to Oakland to start the season April 4th or be placed on waivers since he is out of minor league options. Should be pass through waivers unclaimed he will be a strong depth piece for the White Sox pitching come 2016.