White Sox: Dreaming of Aroldis Chapman on the South Side
By Matt Manetti
The White Sox need help in their bullpen and Aroldis Chapman will be the best reliever available. While it may never happen, it’s fun to think about.
The Chicago White Sox have bullpen issues. Their bullpen was pretty bad all season. David Robertson had a stretch where all he did was blow saves. Any upgrade they can make will benefit the team. Look how well the Cleveland Indians bullpen is pitching this offseason. Their the reason they find themselves in the World Series.
More from White Sox News
- 3 White Sox under contract next year that fans are ready to move on from
- Michael Kopech’s return didn’t go as planned but the White Sox won
- Mariners pitching staff owns the White Sox on Wednesday
- 3 potential Tony La Russa replacements not named Miguel Cairo
- 3 Chicago White Sox players to cut ties with in September
Now, this may seem a little far fetched, but what if the White Sox could sign Aroldis Chapman? That would instantly make this team better. He could step in and be the closer while Robertson could transition into more of a setup roll. Or, they could play match ups and have both guys close out games. Although, I would be more inclined to see Chapman as my closer than Robertson.
Just think of how exciting it would be to see Chapman in a White Sox uniform terrorizing the American League Central with his 100+ mph fastball. He would do for the Sox what Andrew Miller does for the Indians. Although, Miller is a little more versatile. But both guys do a heck of a job as situational left handers.
A free agent signing like this could generate some buzz and excitement on the south side. Let’s be honest, there isn’t much good going for the organization right now. They need to do something to generate excitement around the team. They are already playing second fiddle to the Cubs, who are in the World Series. While Chicago may never be a Sox town, there’s no reason they can’t share the spotlight with the Cubs. The city was buzzing when both teams were tearing up their respective divisions in April. Sadly, this team faded and the Cubs are in the World Series.
Let’s also not forget, the front office loves guys that throw hard. Think of all the guys currently on the pitching staff that throw in the high 90s. There was a point where that was only requirement to pitch for this team. All you had to do was throw a decent fastball in the 90s and you were good to go.
As you can tell, that doesn’t cut it. Chapman most likely won’t sign with the Sox, and that’s probably because they won’t show any interest in him. For some reason this team just doesn’t ever target big-name free agents. Even if they did express interest in playing for them, I feel Ken Williams would put the stop to it.
Thinking about having a guy like on this team is fun. But it will never happen. However, we can dream. It would be nice to see this team do something to show us they are serious about winning. Making a signing like this would do the trick, but alas, that’ll never happen. But maybe if we keep talking about it, the Sox will surprise us and do something bold to improve this team.