White Sox rotation could use a lefty boost on the back end
The top three of the Chicago White Sox rotation is a lock. Dylan Cease had a fairly decent 2020, but compared to his teammates, Cease is most likely the fourth man. That leaves the fifth rotation spot open for a battle.
The spring training fight for the fifth spot essentially comes down to four names: Carlos Rodon, Reynaldo Lopez, Michael Kopech and Garrett Crochet. With pitchers and catchers reporting to spring training Thursday, it still hard to say who is most equipped to take that fifth spot.
Jon Morosi of MLB Network reported Sunday the White Sox plan on building Kopech as a starting pitcher and could open 2021 in the rotation.
Correction: I was told not to assume that Kopech *begins* 2021 in the #MLB rotation, as the Sox won't rush him, but the team has been pleased with his progress through the offseason. Those familiar with his work in recent months believe he can be an impact starter this year. https://t.co/kmTZ6lIRbz
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) February 14, 2021
It is still a possibility that Kopech could start his season in the minors. It all depends on his spring training. For the sake of the scenario, let’s say Kopech struggles and goes to Charlotte and the fifth spot now comes down to three pitchers — Lopez, Rodon and Crochet.
Rodon was non-tendered in December. After a poor performance in the Wild Card Series, arguably a spot he should not have been in, he was let go. Without any luck getting a guaranteed starting job in free agency, Rodon signed a $3 million deal to return to the Sox.
Lopez has struggled to say the least. Some fans have given up on him, but others remain optimistic and still hold out on throwing in the towel on him. Of course his ERA has gotten higher each year in the majors, so perhaps it is safe to say Lopez has the steepest hill to climb for that fifth spot.
Which leaves the door open for Crochet to build off his 2020 cup of coffee and have a dominant spring training. However, to earn that fifth spot, he would have to really turn some heads. If so, then every fifth game would be Crochet Day.