Chicago White Sox: November may set the tone for the offseason
October is almost over. The World Series is about half over. We are getting closer to seeing what the Chicago White Sox and the rest of Major League Baseball are going to do during the offseason. Of course, the biggest issue is the collective bargaining agreement. Hopefully, that gets squared away so that baseball can be played on time in 2022.
As for the White Sox, November will set the tone for the rest of the offseason. Their biggest moves probably won’t be during the month but they might make a move or two that shows the world that they are trying to keep this wave of success going.
They made the playoffs in back-to-back seasons for the first time ever in 2020 and 2021. They now believe that they have what it takes to be in the playoffs every year for a long time. Their core is young and ready to win. Most of them are also locked in for a long time which is nice.
Of course, some big needs are pressing going into 2022. The biggest one is probably second base. We know about how they traded Nick Madrigal and acquired Cesar Hernandez. Cesar didn’t work out well but they can find a player that is an upgrade over both of them.
They could also use some help in right field. They haven’t had a good everyday right fielder that actually plays right field for a long time. Going for someone to do that this offseason would certainly be a good idea.
As is the case in any offseason, it is always smart to explore more pitching options. The White Sox relied a lot on their pitching this year and need more of that going forward. There are some decisions to be made with guys like Carlos Rodon and Dallas Keuchel, as well as potential trades involving someone like Craig Kimbrel.
There are a lot of things for the Chicago White Sox to address this offseason.
There aren’t only roster construction decisions to be made either. Michael Kopech, Garrett Crochet, and Reynaldo Lopez are all starting pitchers that spent a majority of the 2021 season in the bullpen. One or more of them may be converted back to a starter going into next season which is a very interesting story to watch this offseason.
In November, we might see some press conferences that discuss a to of these things. As mentioned before, it is going to set the tone for what we may see in December, January, and February before spring training. Hopefully, the White Sox are able to do what is needed to take yet another step in 2022.