Chicago White Sox: 3 New York Mets free agents to consider

Brad Hand

The Chicago White Sox could need some help in the bullpen going forward as well.

The White Sox bullpen needs help. Craig Kimbrel is likely going to be traded, Micheal Kopech is moving to the starting rotation and Evan Marshall, who handled the bulk of high leverage situations in recent years, is out the door.

Brad Hand is a grizzled veteran reliever who has ample experience pitching late in games. Over his 11 year career, he has accumulated 26 saves and made three All-Star teams. He isn’t the dominating force he once was but still has plenty left in the tank. In 2018 he posted a 2.28 ERA and then followed that up with a 2.05 ERA in 2020.

Hand started the 2021 season with the Washington Nationals before being moved to Toronto. He struggled with the Blue Jays but a change of scenery in New York did him good. He notched 21 saves in 2021 and had a solid 2.70 ERA in 16 games with the Mets. Overall, he finished the season with a 3.59 mark.

That would play perfectly in the White Sox bullpen. Hand would compliment the White Sox’s other left-handed relievers, Aaron Bummer and Garrett Crochet. He would also help stabilize a bridge to the ninth inning. He could even handle save situations if Liam Hendriks needs a day off.

His age 32 season is upon him and his K/9 inning rate has been on the decline. The White Sox could view him as a cheap setup man. There are plenty of teams in the market for a discounted closer. Hand could opt to go to a team that will make him their primary closer if he doesn’t value playing for a contender. If not, for a short-term deal, he could be a cost-effective option in the bullpen.