White Sox: Expectations Must Be Raised for 2019 Season
White Sox can’t have a repeat performance of 2018. The expectations must be raised for 2019 as the team will be getting closer to the beginning of contention.
Mediocrity can’t be accepted any longer by the White Sox. After finishing the last six seasons without a winning record, the expectations for the Sox entering 2019 must be raised. The team might be entering the third season of their current rebuild, but its time for progress to be shown.
Players that haven’t performed to their potential over the course of the past few seasons will need to do better in 2019. Carlos Rodon is one of those players. Rodon has yet to show ace potential over a full season.
There have been glimpses of Rodon’s potential over the past few years, but he could never sustain positive momentum for very long. Rodon’s durability will be very important for the Sox next season. If Rodon is unable to remain healthy over a full season again, he could see his spot in the rotation filled by someone else.
More from White Sox News
- The Chicago White Sox might have had a season ending loss
- The Chicago White Sox are expecting Tim Anderson back soon
- Miguel Cairo’s words spark life into the Chicago White Sox
- Dylan Cease should be the favorite for the AL Cy Young Award
- Ozzie Guillen speaks the whole truth about Tony La Russa
Yoan Moncada is another player that will need to perform better in 2019. Moncada struggled in his first full season in the Majors but showed some promise in 2018. If Moncada can realize his potential somewhat in 2019, the Sox offense will surely benefit. Moncada can be a difference-making player in the future but he will have to decrease his strikeouts.
Lucas Giolito can’t have another poor season as he did in 2018. Giolito entered this past season with some modest hype after he performed well in his seven starts with the Sox in 2017. Unfortunately, Giolito got off to a rough start in 2018 and couldn’t fully recover. Similar to Rodon, Giolito could see his spot in the rotation filled by another pitcher if he doesn’t improve in 2019.
Tim Anderson improved very well defensively this past season. He also cut down his strikeouts, increased his walks, stole more bases and hit more home runs. Anderson doesn’t appear to have reached his full potential yet. Being a consistent threat to hit 20 or more home runs and steal 20 or more bases is a good weapon for the Sox to have on offense. Anderson’s improvement next season could be very vital to helping the Sox become competitive.
Next. White Sox Should Avoid These Players. dark
There have been too many losing seasons for this franchise recently. The front office has to make good additions this offseason to give the team a chance at contending in 2019. With depth in the minors currently, the Sox can build a consistent winner now. Expectations must be raised for a franchise struggling to remain relevant.