White Sox should jump on opportunity presented in AL Central

All of the teams that made it to the playoffs had one thing in common – a lights-out bullpen pitcher.

The Brewers had Josh Hader. The Dodgers had Pedro Baez. The Red Sox had Joe Kelly. And, the list goes on.

The White Sox did not have any bullpen pitchers who could dominate. Not one. There is no way that the team will go anywhere in the new post-season without a solid bullpen. So, Hahn will have to make several moves to get that part of the house in order.

First, he needs to sign that one lights-out pitcher. My suggestion is Joe Kelly or the post-season go-to guy – Andrew Miller.

Then, Hahn needs a closer. A real. Veteran. Closer.  There are plenty of them available. David Robertson would be an interesting player to bring back to Chicago. Other closers who could add their skills to the bullpen include Brad Brach, Kelvin Herrera, and Tony Sipp. Of course, Craig Kimbrel is out there, too.

I’d also be perfectly satisfied with Hahn making a smart trade for Edwin Diaz of the Seattle Mariners.

Yes, by this time, I’ve got the White Sox 2019 contract obligations sky-high. But, there are only a few more additions I’d like to see.

Only a few of the rebuild-bullpen pitchers should remain. Of course, Hahn needs to keep Nate Jones. Others who showed promise in 2018 were Jace Fry, Juan Minaya, and Aaron Bummer.  Hector Santiago was ok as a long-inning guy, but there are better ones out there.

Matt Davidson might also prove to be a valuable asset in the pen during Spring Training. If he doesn’t, there’s always the DH spot.