The Chicago White Sox have been eliminated for a few weeks now but the World Series just concluded so you can now say it is officially the offseason. Of course, that means that we were going to hear from Rick Hahn on the state of the team. He had some interesting things to say about the team that makes us wonder how the offseason is going to go.
The most interesting thing that Hahn had to say was some words on the state of the pitching rotation. He knows that Carlos Rodon not returning is a serious possibility. He also revealed that he wants to bring him back if he can.
Regardless of Rodon’s status for 2022, it sounds like Hahn believes that Michael Kopech will make that transition to the starting rotation next year. He has been a starter in the past but Tommy John and COVID-19 have caused him to miss a lot of time so his return in 2021 was in the bullpen. It was a great way to ease him back in but now it is time to be a starter.
Rick Hahn on Carlos Rodón: "Would be great to figure out a way to bring him back."
— Vinnie Duber (@VinnieDuber) November 5, 2021
Hahn reiterates Sox' intent to move Michael Kopech from the bullpen to the rotation in 2022, noting that it will create a need in the relief corps.
— Vinnie Duber (@VinnieDuber) November 5, 2021
It is good to see Hahn acknowledge that moving Kopech to the rotation will leave a huge void in the bullpen. That means that he is already thinking about who can be that replacement in 2022. Maybe that is (and should be) a big focus for them during the offseason. One option to be in the bullpen once again is Garrett Crochet.
Hahn still sees Garrett Crochet as a starter long term, but would not commit to his role for 2022 yet.
— ESPN White Sox (@ESPNWhiteSox) November 5, 2021
It sounds like Garrett Crochet is on the Michael Kopech plan but a year behind. Obviously, he didn’t opt out of 2020 or have Tommy John but they want to ease him in because of the circumstances in his draft year. Rick Hahn confirmed that they see him as a starter but that might not come in 2022. To be honest, that is the best role for him going forward. He could be a big key to the 2022 bullpen if they use him the right way.
Rick Hahn of the Chicago White Sox gave us some information on Friday.
Rick Hahn says that there are going to be some offseason injury issues that a few Chicago White Sox players are going to be involved with this winter. Yasmani Grandal and Adam Engel each had a minor procedure that they are now recovering from. Each of them is expected to be ready by the time spring training rolls around.
He also confirmed that Lance Lynn is currently on a rest and rehabilitation program right now. They will reevaluate things in a few weeks to see if any more action needs to be taken. He also confirmed that Lynn will be ready for spring training regardless of what decision is made on that front. This is all mostly good news for the White Sox.
Lance Lynn (knee) in midst of 3-4 week rest and rehab period. Will be re-evaluated soon.
— Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) November 5, 2021
Adam Engel had his left shoulder cleaned up once the season ended. He's expected to be ready for the start of the next season.
— Scott Merkin (@scottmerkin) November 5, 2021
There were also a lot of things that Hahn said that were just general descriptions of the team in 2021, the series against the Houston Astros, and their upcoming plans for the offseason. Rick is a very good GM that has made some smart moves over the past few years. He has also made some mistakes that he is well aware of. He also admits when he is wrong and learns from them as well as any GM ever.
Hahn makes official: La Russa and coaching staff will return for 2022. Allen Thomas' contract as head of strength and conditioning is not being renewed.
— Scott Merkin (@scottmerkin) November 5, 2021
Hahn: "We didn't win the final game of the postseason so we didn't meet our ultimate goal. How can we possibly be satisfied."
— Scott Merkin (@scottmerkin) November 5, 2021
Hahn: "You need multiple shots on goal in order to score. You need to get in to have a chance. It was good to get in two years in a row, but we haven't reached our final goal yet."
— Scott Merkin (@scottmerkin) November 5, 2021
This team is very close but they also have a long way to go. They have as much talent as any team in Major League Baseball. They made the playoffs in two straight seasons for the first time ever which is obviously a good sign. In order to take the next step, however, big moves need to be made. It is up to Rick Hahn and his staff to figure out what to do. It sure sounds like he is aware of what he has in front of him and he clearly has a plan.