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

Ryan Tepera

Ryan Tepera returning to the Chicago White Sox would be a marvelous decision.

During the trade deadline, Rick Hahn acquired Ryan Tepera to help solidify the White Sox bullpen. He did just that. There is absolutely no reason the White Sox should let Ryan Tepera walk in free agency this offseason.

Liam Hendriks has established himself as the closer so there is no point in adding another reliever like Craig Kimbrel. The White Sox need guys with clearly defined roles to build a bridge to the ninth inning. Tepera excelled late in games as a setup man. He is a perfect guy for the seventh inning to pass the baton to Graveman in the eighth.

Last season Tepera picked up NL Reliever of the Month honors in May as a member of the Chicago Cubs. He had a 2.91 ERA, 22 holds and 2 saves before being dealt to the White Sox. Upon coming to the south side, Tepera picked up right where he left off.

He posted a 2.50 mark for Tony La Russa’s squad and picked up six holds and a save. Despite the bulletin board material that he provided the Astros during the ALDS, he was solid in the postseason as well.

He tossed a perfect sixth inning in Game 2, needing only five pitches to dispatch the Astros. In Game 3, he ensured the White Sox kept the momentum by throwing a 1-2-3 fifth inning in just nine pitches then striking out the final two hitters he faced in the sixth, making it nine in a row retired by Tepera.

Ryan Tepera is comfortable pitching in Chicago and fills an obvious need. Resigning him should be a no-brainer.