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Three relievers White Sox should try to sign

By Joshua Finkelstein

HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 30: Will Harris #36 of the Houston Astros delivers the pitch against the Washington Nationals during the seventh inning in Game Seven of the 2019 World Series at Minute Maid Park on October 30, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 30: Will Harris #36 of the Houston Astros delivers the pitch against the Washington Nationals during the seventh inning in Game Seven of the 2019 World Series at Minute Maid Park on October 30, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /
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DENVER, COLORADO – JUNE 10: Pitcher Steve Cishek #41 of the Chicago Cubs throws in the eighth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on June 10, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO – JUNE 10: Pitcher Steve Cishek #41 of the Chicago Cubs throws in the eighth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on June 10, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

3. Steve Cishek

Speaking of models of consistency, Cishek has been one as well throughout his entire career so far.

In parts of 10 seasons, the right-hander has a 2.69 ERA, 3.22 FIP, 1.151 WHIP, 9.5 K/9, and 3.4 BB/9. His ERA has never risen over 3.58 in his career which is very impressive.

Over 70 appearances in 2019, Cishek had a 2.95 ERA, 4.54 FIP, 1.203 WHIP, 8.0 K/9, and 4.1 BB/9.

His FIP is somewhat concerning given it was over 1.50 runs higher than his ERA. Considering how poorly the White Sox ranked defensively this past season, it is certainly alarming.

However, his consistency throughout his career should combat those concerns somewhat.

The biggest issue with regards to signing Cishek is the new three-batter minimum that will be implemented in 2020.

A submarine arm like Cishek might not fare well in a scenario where the team can’t pull him out of the game if a tough left-handed hitter comes to the plate.

His career splits show a significant decrease in performance for him when he has faced lefty hitters as they have a .694 OPS as compared to same-handed opponents who have a .553 OPS against Cishek.

Concerns for that didn’t really get assuaged in 2019 either as left-handed hitters actually had a .733 OPS against him.

While he’s much better against right-handed hitters, his splits aren’t bad to the point where you couldn’t reasonably leave him in against left-handed hitters.

The advantage of being a submarine arm is that injury concerns are not as big for him as they would be for other pitchers who have made 150 appearances over the last two seasons.

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All three of these relievers should be considered heavily and the White Sox must look to sign at least two relievers from the Harris, McHugh, Cishek, and Hudson tier for bullpen help.

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