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White Sox: Let’s Talk About A 2018 Free Agent Wish List

By Breven Daugherity

BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 24: Manny Machado #8 of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws out J.D. Martinez (not pictured) #28 of the Boston Red Sox during the fourth inning in Game Two of the 2018 World Series at Fenway Park on October 24, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 24: Manny Machado #8 of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws out J.D. Martinez (not pictured) #28 of the Boston Red Sox during the fourth inning in Game Two of the 2018 World Series at Fenway Park on October 24, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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CINCINNATI, OH – SEPTEMBER 25: Matt Harvey #32 of the Cincinnati Reds throws a pitch against the Kansas City Royals at Great American Ball Park on September 25, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH – SEPTEMBER 25: Matt Harvey #32 of the Cincinnati Reds throws a pitch against the Kansas City Royals at Great American Ball Park on September 25, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Now let’s get to business…

Let’s talk about what you all came here to read. Of this free agent class, who could most likely see themselves playing for the White Sox come the 2019 season? There is an array of players who I could personally see Hahn going after and ultimately acquiring. There are also some that I believe are less likely, but I would love to see them join the Sox anyway. Let’s be honest, chances are you’re reading this to see those big names anyway. So let’s discuss!

Rotation Depth

With James Shields almost certainly on his way out of Chicago, Hahn will be searching for inning eaters in the offseason. With a rotation consisting of multiple pitchers that have a small amount of experience, the old dogs got to eat. Eat innings, that is. Using my knowledge on the archetype of players that Hahn typically goes after, my list of potential additions looks like this.

Matt Harvey (30)

Everyone knows of Matt Harvey. The “Dark Knight” is a one-time all-star with the New York Mets. He spent a handful of seasons as the ace of a Mets rotation that was considered one of the best at the time. After a steep downfall that now sees him coming off of a 2018 season in which he yielded a 4.94 earned run average, Harvey will not necessarily be getting a large contract this offseason.

What he can receive this offseason, however, is a second chance. A one-year contract, one that could potentially prove that he can escape this slump and return to his original form. I believe the White Sox would be a perfect team to give this to him too. Consider it a one-year evaluation or tryout for a new contract.

What’s in it for the White Sox? Plenty of things. Harvey obviously brings a great amount of experience to the table. Having him around will allow the younger part of the rotation to pick the brain of a one-time all-star. That’s not the only facet the Sox could benefit in, however. Say they pick up Harvey and he does return to his original form. The Sox could then either trade him at the deadline and receive something in return, or if they’re making a playoff push, his services could be needed and could benefit the club greatly.

Garrett Richards (31)

Garrett Richards has a lot of similarities to Harvey. He is an experienced right-hander who has seen great success at some points in his long career. He posted Cy Young caliber numbers with a 13-4 record and a 2.61 ERA in 2014. The rest of his career has been a tad inconsistent, but still effective.

Richards has upside and could be a low risk-high reward type of signing for Hahn and company. He can eat innings which is a must with this upcoming years pitching rotation. I could potentially see Richards being handed a two or three-year contract at the most. Though he could certainly use the time to attempt to prove himself, his injury history may just encourage him to find security when it comes to contracts.

Like Harvey, Richards could be swapped at the deadline if necessary. He could also be an extra arm, rotation or bullpen, barring a playoff run. Baseball fans alike have seen what Richards is capable of on the mound, so hey who knows, maybe a Don Cooper adjustment wouldn’t hurt him.

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