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Projecting the White Sox 2019 Lineup and Rotation

By Jon Michael Walters

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 30: Matt Davidson #24 of the Chicago White Sox congratulates teammate Daniel Palka #18 on scoring a run against the Minnesota Twins during the first inning of the game on September 30, 2018 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 30: Matt Davidson #24 of the Chicago White Sox congratulates teammate Daniel Palka #18 on scoring a run against the Minnesota Twins during the first inning of the game on September 30, 2018 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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As the White Sox head into the offseason, it’s a good idea to assess what the team already has before they make the inevitable changes that will come in the offseason.

Generally speaking, the White Sox roster to begin next season probably won’t look too much different from what it was at the end of 2018. However next season will contain the arrivals of Eloy Jimenez, Dylan Cease, and perhaps a few others.

Furthermore, the team’s payroll flexibility gives them the room to make more than a few moves. Before those moves happen, it’s a good idea to see where the team stands currently.

As it stands, the White Sox lineup for 2019 looks something like this:

  • Yoan Moncada 2B
  • Eloy Jimenez LF
  • Jose Abreu 1B
  • Daniel Palka/Matt Davidson DH
  • Avisail Garcia RF
  • Omar Narvaez C
  • Carlos Sanchez 3B
  • Tim Anderson SS

    • Adam Engel

    CF

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    The Sox struggled a lot offensively in 2018, breaking the MLB record for strikeouts, but they were the weakest in the outfield, where they averaged a -6.4 WAA (wins above average), besting Baltimore for worst in the American League. Once Eloy Jimenez joins the team in 2019, he could do a lot to close that gap and bring the Sox closer to a league-average outfield. The White Sox may also look to acquire an outfielder to push Adam Engel to a backup/defensive replacement role. A third-basemen could be acquired to push Yolmer Sanchez into a utility/middle infielder role, helping to spell the talented but young and sometimes slumping, Tim Anderson and Yoan Moncada.

    On the pitching side of things, it’s much clearer that at least one major addition will have to be made. Once that happens, the rotation will look something like this:

    1. TBD
    2. Reynaldo Lopez
    3. Carlos Rodon
    4. Lucas Giolito
    5. Dylan Covey/ (later in the season) Dylan Cease

    Lopez and Rodon have enough skill to fill the #2 and 3 spots in the rotation, but the ChiSox need to acquire an ace to lead the rotation and young pitchers. Free agent options include Clayton Kershaw, Patrick Corbin, Dallas Keuchel, and former White Sox draftee, Gio Gonzalez.

    Next. Where to find White Sox alum in the postseason. dark

    Acquiring one or two of these pitchers could give a badly-needed boost to the pitching rotation, one thing that needs to improve for the Pale Hose to get moving along and be an annual 80+ win team in a presently weak division.

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