Chicago White Sox: Rick Hahn finally speaks to the media

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.