The Chicago White Sox are looking to win the division in 2020 and one of their rivals trading their best pitcher might help that cause.
It is fair to say that the Chicago White Sox want to win the division in 2020. They would even be happy with a Wild Card berth at this point but turning the table is definitely something they plan on doing. The Kansas City Royals and Detroit Tigers are both rebuilding and early in that process so they aren’t much of a threat. The Minnesota Twins are the defending division champions while the Cleveland Indians are always in the mix for it.
One of those teams weakening themselves is something that is good news for the Chicago White Sox and their quest for a division title. That happened on Sunday as the Indians sent Corey Kluber to the Texas Rangers via trade. Kluber was injured for most of 2019 but there is no doubt that he was an incredible pitcher during his time with them. He is a three-time all-star, a two time Cy Young award winner, and a one time ERA champion. This guy has been awesome in his Major League Career and now he is off to Texas.
A player like that leaving the division is good for the White Sox. He has been so good against them and they won’t have to deal with him as much anymore. They will still play the Texas Rangers as they are also an American League team but not nearly as much as they will play Cleveland. They might be in there with the White Sox in the race for the Wild Card but that is much better than worrying about the Indians. That doesn’t mean that the Indians are going to be bad next year but not having a pitcher like Kluber doesn’t make them better by any means.
The White Sox are at the point where they are keeping an eye on what the rest of their division is doing. That just means that the team is good and ready to compete. A two time Cy Young Trophy winner leaving the division is certainly a good thing as the Sox look to take over the division.