The Chicago White Sox could try to move some relievers into starter roles.
The Chicago White Sox has some outstanding pitchers on their staff. It started and ended with its rotation in 2021. It consisted of Lucas Giolito, Dallas Keuchel, Lance Lynn, Dylan Cease, and Carlos Rodon. There were a few pitchers who came in and made spot starts but that was the rotation for most of the season. There is also a really good bullpen there that has the potential to be even better.
Craig Kimbrel likely won’t be back but you can bet on seeing Reynaldo Lopez, Michael Kopech, Garrett Crochet, Liam Hendriks, and Aaron Bummer back for more in 2022. However, not all of them may be relievers by that point. The White Sox are going to try and add more pitching during the offseason but there is something they could do with this group.
Kopech, Crochet, and Lopez are all starters by trade. A move to a starter role could be on the horizon for two or more of them. We don’t know if Carlos Rodon will be back in 2022 as he is a pending free agent and Dallas Keuchel might not be used as a starter if he continues his downward spiral.
We have seen Michael Kopech make a few spot-starts in 2021 and he was exclusively a starter before having Tommy John surgery. He is the most talented pitcher that they have so it would be nice to see them get the most out of him. By next year, expect him to get consideration for this role.
Crochet is also someone who can make that move to a starter role as he continues in his development. Reynaldo Lopez is someone who has shown the ability to pitch in any role so expect him to get looks as a starter and reliever in 2022 as well. Regardless of what happens, the White Sox need their pitching to stay dominant.