White Sox: Bullpen Could Be Major Strength for Team This Season
White Sox additions of veteran relievers this offseason could help bullpen become a major strength of the team this upcoming season.
If the Chicago White Sox are going to surprise many people this year and reach the postseason, the team’s bullpen could be a huge factor. This offseason, the Sox added two veteran relievers to its bullpen which can help the team this upcoming season.
The Sox won’t be expected to contend in their second rebuilding season, but they have a stronger bullpen than they had to end 2017. Luis Avilan and Joakim Soria were acquired this offseason via trade to help solidify the Sox bullpen for 2018. Both relievers have veteran experience with the latter having experience as a closer.
More from White Sox News
- White Sox: MLB will be impacted by brand new rule changes
- This White Sox player was finally brilliant in a big-time win
- White Sox Rumors: Tony La Russa could be back next week
- White Sox: AL Central teams help them in standings on Wednesday
- 3 White Sox under contract next year that fans are ready to move on from
With the Sox adding Avilan and Soria, the bullpen will be much better than it was at the end of last season. Although the Sox bullpen was very poor in August after the trades of David Robertson, Dan Jennings, Tommy Kahnle and Anthony Swarzak, they had a better month in September. However, the Sox still needed to add more veterans for this upcoming season.
While the Sox added veterans in Avilan and Soria, they also have some solid relief options from last season. Juan Minaya and Gregory Infante both had good final months of 2017 for the team, and Nate Jones could provide a nice setup option for the Sox this season. Despite his injury, Jones has been a reliable setup man when healthy in the past.
Next: Would Jose Abreu Make Hall of Fame If He Began Career in MLB?
The Sox could very well trade Avilan and Soria this season if their values are high and the team isn’t winning. But if they are winning, expect both relievers to be a big reason for the team’s surprising success. Rick Hahn did a good in acquiring more depth for the Sox bullpen and it could pay immediate dividends this year for a team nobody expects to be competitive.