White Sox: 2018 predictions from the Southside Showdown writers
This last slide is all about the MLB as a whole and what could happen in 2018.
The MLB is loaded with fascinating, athletic players. In 2017, no one expected Aaron Judge to have the season that he had. Every season has a story, so I asked the writers to predict a big event for 2018. No one predicted weather to be the story of the season. And, some had more than one prediction.
These were their predictions:
- Etheria: Manny Machado will be traded to New York.
- Roger: Machado gets traded to Phillies, Brewers, Cardinals, or Angels.
- Joe: Machado signs with the White Sox and Harper re-signs with Washington.
- Darrell: Jose Abreu hits 40 home runs. Fernando Tatis, Jr homers in his first MLB at-bat. Mike Trout becomes the fifth member of 40/40 club.
- Brian: Sox deal multiple relievers away (same trade) for a top 100 prospect.
- Ruben: A player will hit 70 HR and a pitcher will get 20 strikeouts in a game.
- Nicole: Michael Kopech will be the Rookie of the Year.
- Jeff: Davidson hits 30 HR and Moncada has a 20 HR – 20 SB season.
- Me: J.D. Martinez and Bryce Harper will each hit 50 home runs.
So far, the big stories in 2018 have involved a few players. Shohei Ohtani who has become a much different player than we saw in Spring Training. Bryce Harper is leading the MLB with six home runs. And, five pitchers already have complete games: Max Scherzer, Jameson Taillon, Jose Berrios, Carlos Carrasco, and Corey Kluber. But, it’s only April 15.
Thoughts on Machado
It is clear that Machado is still on the minds of White Sox fans. He does become a free agent at the end of the 2018 season. The Orioles owner is not known for being a big spender, except in odd situations. Unfortunately for the O’s fans, big money was spent on other players which doesn’t leave much for Machado. The odds are good he will wear a new uniform in 2019. While he would be a good fit for the White Sox, there are a few other teams who will woo him with all they can. He most likely will not be signed by an AL East team.
The other big story has been the weather. Sales in team balaclavas have to be skyrocketing. You can buy your very own White Sox on-field balaclava here.