White Sox were fun to watch for many fans despite last place finish in AL Central division, 95-loss season. Rebuild has started perfectly for organization.
The Chicago White Sox were a fun team to watch for many fans this past season. Although the team finished in last place in the AL Central division with 95 losses, the Sox were far from boring in 2017. With an influx of talented youngsters and a new manager, the Sox started off their rebuild perfectly.
After not reaching the playoffs over the previous two seasons despite adding talent to the roster, the Sox traded their best players over the course of the last year. Starting with the trade of Chris Sale and Adam Eaton, the Sox would add quality prospects to their farm system. The Sox would add more depth to their farm system throughout this past season including trading Jose Quintana across town to the rival Cubs for their two of their best prospects.
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
The Sox began 2017 with a winning month in April and ended the season with a 15-15 record in September and October. In the Sox final homestand of the season, they eliminated both the Kansas City Royals and Los Angeles Angels from playoff contention. They also won both series and ended some of those games in spectacular fashion.
There were many great moments for the Sox this past season although the team traded many of its veteran players throughout the year. With the Sox trading veterans, it opened the door for many of team’s top prospects to shine in the majors. Yoan Moncada, who began 2017 as the top prospect in the majors made his debut with the Sox on July 19.
Reynaldo Lopez and Lucas Giolito each had solid outings in their first starts for the Sox. Giolito would end 2017 strongly and could make a case for being the ace of the Sox rotation in 2018. Carson Fulmer also had a strong end to his 2017 season, and could start next year in the Sox starting rotation.
Sox fans have been supportive of the team’s rebuild according to general manager Rick Hahn. According to Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune, Hahn stated he underestimated the support the Sox would receive from their fans for their current rebuild. Hahn mentioned fans are optimistic about the Sox rebuilding efforts.
"“In reality, the support has been fantastic. And anecdotally, at least, the fans I’ve talked to or the feedback I get through various means all has been, for the most part, very supportive and understanding of where we are and why we’re doing what we’re doing. (They are showing) optimism about where this is headed.” Rick Hahn"
Next: Eloy Jimenez Determined to Reach Majors in 2018
The Sox will enter 2018 with the goal of continuing to develop young players for the future. This team isn’t expected to start contending until 2020, but it wouldn’t be surprising if they’re in contention much earlier. 2018 should be another exciting season for Sox fans. The Sox exceeding low expectations appear to be better than seeing them fail to meet high expectations.