White Sox will need to sign veteran relief pitchers for 2018 season. Which relievers would be good fits for a young team that is still rebuilding?
The Chicago White Sox traded many of their valuable relief pitchers this past season and will need to add depth this offseason to their bullpen. With a relatively young team entering the 2018 season, the Sox would be wise to add some veteran relievers to their bullpen.
There will be a number of different veteran relievers the Sox could sign this offseason. As they did this past season, the Sox could very well trade any relief pitcher they sign before the trading deadline next year. If the Sox are looking at short-term solutions for their bullpen for 2018, they could look to sign any of the players mentioned below.
More from White Sox News
- The Chicago White Sox might have had a season ending loss
- The Chicago White Sox are expecting Tim Anderson back soon
- Miguel Cairo’s words spark life into the Chicago White Sox
- Dylan Cease should be the favorite for the AL Cy Young Award
- Ozzie Guillen speaks the whole truth about Tony La Russa
Anthony Swarzak
The Sox could have a reunion with Anthony Swarzak. After recording his first major league save against the Cubs on July 24, Swarzak was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers. Swarzak had a remarkable 2017 season, and the Sox didn’t waste any time getting value for him in a trade. Swarzak went 4-3 with a 2.23 ERA in 41 relief appearances with the Sox.
With Milwaukee, Swarzak went 2-1 with a 2.48 ERA over 29 relief appearances.Swarzak helped the Brewers remain in postseason contention up until the second to last day of the season. Although the Sox traded the 32-year-old this past season, a reunion with the relief pitcher wouldn’t be a bad idea. Swarzak could again provide the Sox with solid trade value next season.
Addison Reed
Another pitcher the Sox could have a reunion with is Addison Reed. The 28-year-old was traded from the Sox after the 2013 season and had a solid 2017 with the New York Mets and Boston Red Sox. This past season, Reed recorded 19 saves with the Mets. After being traded to the Red Sox, Reed compiled a 3.33 ERA for Boston. Reed could be an affordable setup man for the Sox or closer next season.
Next: Development of Eloy Jimenez. Michael Kopech Key to Future
Jake McGee
The White Sox will need another left-handed relief pitcher in their bullpen next season. Jake McGee could be an interesting option for the Sox for 2018. McGee had a nice bounce-back 2017 season with the Colorado Rockies. After a less than stellar 2016 campaign, McGee posted a 3.62 ERA through 62 appearances.McGee had an impressive 1.099 WHIP and a 2.93 FIP for the Rockies.