The White Sox need pitching and the 2019 free agent list includes outstanding veterans who could fill the holes in the rotation.
After giving James Shields $2 million not to play for the White Sox and with the understanding that Michael Kopech is out for all of 2019, Rick Hahn has at least two starting position to fill.
With three relievers joining Shields in free agency and two other pitchers moved to the minor leagues, Hahn is also most likely exploring relief pitcher choices during the Hot Stove season.
Now that clubs can begin to make a few moves with their pending free agents, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com took a look at what all 30 clubs need. He wrote about the White Sox and the team’s need for pitching:
"“Chicago could be a year away from really making a splash on the free-agent market, though it’s possible GM Rick Hahn takes a run at a big-ticket item such as Machado. Still, adding one or two starters, one or two relievers — or all of the above — are believed to be the priority.”"
Feinsand believes that Hahn will take a good look at not only Manny Machado, but at three veteran pitchers: Dallas Keuchel, Anibal Sanchez, and Gio Gonzalez.
The pros and cons of Machado have already been discussed on Southside Showdown by Etheria Modacure and by me. Etheria is not a fan of Machado. But, I used to write about the Orioles and have a different take on the Sox signing Mr. Miami. Only Hahn and Machado’s agent know whether the White Sox are even in the mix.
The pitchers Feinsand proposed could be good fits in Chicago. Of the three, Keuchel will ask the most money. Sanchez had a strong year, pitching for the Atlanta Braves. Gonzalez struggled with the National, but saw success when he moved to Milwaukee.