3 free-agent relievers for the Chicago White Sox to consider

The Chicago White Sox could use pitching reinforcements. In 2020, it became evident that they did not have enough pitching depth.

During the Wild Card Series against the Oakland A’s, Lucas Giolito threw a masterpiece in the first game but Dallas Keuchel was unable to close out the best of three series in Game 2. Keuchel laid an egg forcing a do or die Game 3. Rick Renteria turned to rookie Dane Dunning who didn’t even make it out of the first inning. The White Sox were promptly eliminated after a bullpen meltdown.

During the offseason, Rick Hahn addressed the problem by trading for Lance Lynn. The move panned out well. Lynn put up a Cy Young caliber season and joined Carlos Rodon in the All-Star game. The combination of Giolito, Lynn, Dylan Cease, Keuchel, and Rodon boasted one of the best rotations in the American League. However, when the playoffs rolled around they collapsed.

Lynn allowed five runs in 3.2 innings in Game 1. Giolito couldn’t make it out of the fifth inning in Game 2. Cease got yanked after 1.2 innings in Game 3, and Rodon emptied the tank in 2.2 innings in Game 4. In total, White Sox starters combined for a pathetic 12.1 innings in the ALDS.

Carlos Rodon is heading out the door in free agency meaning Micheal Kopech will take his place as the fifth starter. Despite Dallas Keuchel’s struggles during the regular season, he is unlikely to be jettisoned from the rotation. Because Lance Lynn has already been signed to an extension, another starter will probably not be added in free agency.

The Chicago White Sox could really use another reliever before the 2022 season.

But that doesn’t mean the White Sox won’t add any pitchers. Their bullpen was a major issue in 2021. The bullpen was projected to be a strength of the team but they did not live up to their lofty expectations. Evan Marshall, Jace Fry, Zack Burdi, Jimmy Lambert, Mike Wright Jr, Codi Heuer, Craig Kimbrel, and Matt Foster all finished with an ERA north of 5.00 in their appearances out of the White Sox bullpen.

Rick Hahn has already added Kendall Graveman to address the issue. But with Micheal Kopech heading into the rotation and Craig Kimbrel likely to be traded, the bullpen could use some reinforcements. Here are three free agents the White Sox should target: