The Chicago White Sox could definitely use another reliever this offseason and for some reason, Collin McHugh is still available on the free agent market. They should definitely try to sign him.
While adding new players to the roster isn’t something most clubs are focused on at this stage, the Chicago White Sox should really look to bring Collin McHugh to the South Side in 2020.
McHugh, 32, is still a free agent despite the fact all teams have begun spring training and games will start being played later this week.
The right-hander could bring so much to the table for a team that definitely could use another reliever this season.
In 2019, the right-hander was both a starter and reliever. Overall, he had a 4.70 ERA, 4.43 FIP, and 1.232 WHIP with 9.9 K/9 as compared to 3.6 BB/9 in 35 appearances (eight starts).
McHugh only made 35 appearances due to the fact he dealt with right elbow discomfort, which could be the reason he’s struggled to find a job this offseason.
However, the Chicago White Sox, as well as every other team in baseball, is making a mistake in passing on him if it’s related to last year’s numbers alone.
He was much better as a reliever (2.67 ERA, .640 OPS against him) in 2019 than as a starter (6.37 ERA, .808 OPS against him) which suggests he simply should be a reliever going forward and not a swingman.
In fact, his injuries could have been a result of the team wanting to convert him back into a starting pitcher after a 2018 season that saw him exclusively be used as a reliever.
If McHugh could pitch like the 2018 version of himself, all 29 other teams in baseball will be kicking themselves for not signing him this past offseason as he had a 1.99 ERA, 2.72 FIP, and 0.912 WHIP with 11.7 K/9 as compared to 2.6 BB/9 that season.
McHugh would definitely provide the White Sox with another established reliever in a bullpen that somewhat lacks that at the moment.
Steve Cishek and Alex Colome have long track records of success while Evan Marshall and Aaron Bummer provide promising options long-term. Outside of them, the team lacks strong bullpen options.
It is very likely that McHugh wouldn’t cost the team more than a $5 million salary in 2020 at this point, if even that. The White Sox could even possibly get him on a minor league deal now.
At either of those price tags, every team in baseball should honestly be trying to sign him. The Chicago White Sox should make sure they are the team that ultimately lands him.