White Sox: Starting Pitching Still Needs to be Addressed
The White Sox are still short at starting pitching. They will likely look to add a veteran hurler during free agency.
The offseason has been slow and uneventful for the Chicago White Sox. But that doesn’t mean their isn’t work to be done. It seems like the lineup is all but set and depth has been added to the bullpen. However, they still could use some starting pitching. James Shields could be back by opening day but there really isn’t a timetable for Carlos Rodon’s return.
That leaves the Sox short a starting pitcher or two. A healthy Shields, Reynaldo Lopez and Lucas Giolito would have three spots locked down. Carson Fulmer could vie for a spot in the rotation but they still need a fifth starter.
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
In a perfect world, some of the younger guys would be ready to go and compete for a spot in the rotation. But that isn’t a likely scenario. Michael Kopech needs some time to continue developing, as do some of their other prospects. With a lack of in-house options, general manager Rick Hahn may need to look elsewhere.
He should definitely look at adding one starting pitcher but it may not be a bad idea to add a second. Fulmer looked good towards the end of the season but who knows if that success will translate to an entire season in 2018. It may be wise to have an insurance policy, in case he goes awry and Rodon misses more time than expected.
Next: Would Mike Moustakas Be An Ideal Fit for 1-Year Deal?
The Sox don’t need to spend a ton of money on starting pitching. They could sign a veteran guy or two and even look to flip them at the deadline. The offseason has been slow to develop, so there are a ton of options out there. Hahn doesn’t need to hit a home run here. He just needs to add guys who can eat up some innings and be a mentor to the younger pitchers. That, in turn, will also aid in their development, which is what matters most at this point in time.