The Chicago White Sox agreed to terms with several players

The Chicago White Sox have reached agreements on several contracts for the 2022 season with several players. Here is a quick breakdown of those players that were offered agreements this past week:

Pitchers:

Dylan Cease-Cease is going to have to play himself into a bigger, longer-term deal it appears. He needs to have a big season in order to do that and is poised to breakout.

Matt Foster-Foster contributed some last season and appears to be part of the White Sox regular pitching staff again. Foster did not do a good job last year and needs to step it up and play better.

Jason Bilous-Bilous, a 2018 draft pick for the White Sox, lacks control and therefore will be relegated to the minor leagues.

Anderson Severino-Severino was a bit of a problem child when he came into the league having been suspended for using performance-enhancing drugs. Can he resurrect his career with the White Sox?

Ryan Burr-After seeing action in 34 games last season including earning one save, Burr is back with the Sox and ready to contribute.

Jose Ruiz-The White Sox are bringing back Ruiz in hopes that he can continue to improve and become a strong contributor to the pitching staff.

Jimmy Lambert-Lambert’s career with the White Sox is still young. He pitched a total of 13 innings in 2021 and had one win and one loss. Lambert might be able to contribute more this year provided he has a strong spring training.

Bennett Sousa-In 2021, Sousa spent his time in the minors last season and that may be where he ends up this year. He’s an interesting prospect and one to keep your eye on.

Michael Kopech-Look for Kopech to be a hot commodity this season as some are predicting that he will have a big year. Is it finally his time?

Garret Crochet-Crochet saw action in 2021 pitching a total of 54.1 innings earning an ERA of 2.82. Crochet is sure to see more game action again this year as a member of the active roster.

Jonathan Stiever-Stiever was placed on the 60-day disabled list last week. In his place, the White Sox brought in Yoan Aybar who last played with the New York Yankees. Aybar has struggled as a pitcher. Maybe the White Sox feel that they are going to be able to fix him and get him on track.

The Chicago White Sox has a lot of great talent on the team going into 2022.

Infielders:

Romy Gonzalez-Gonzalez saw action in ten games last season and has had an active spring training. Look for him to contribute at the Major League level as needed but it’s likely he will spend much more time in the minors.

Gavin Sheets-Sheets is a promising prospect that may see more playing time this year at DH. I would look for him to possibly spell Jose Abreu at first base sometimes but play a larger role as the designated hitter.

Jake Burger-Like Sheets, Burger is a fairly exciting player to watch and has a bright future in the Majors. He had a slash line of .263/.333/.474 last season in the big leagues in limited action. He could fill nicely at DH if he can prove he can be consistent hitting the ball. Burger is suffering from some discomfort in his left ankle. This situation will be monitored closely.

Danny Mendick-Mendick filled in a little bit last season but saw just nine total plate appearances. He’s good but not great and if the Sox need him this year, it’s because someone like Tim Anderson is hurt. That wouldn’t be a good sign for them.

Catchers:

Yermin Mercedes-Anyone that is a fan of the White Sox knows who Mercedes is. He had a hot start to the 2021 season then fizzled out. He ended up in the minors and that’s likely where he will stay but has an injury to overcome that’s going to keep him out for six to eight weeks. Don’t look for him in the majors any time soon.

Zack Collins-Collins was one of the backups for Yasmani Grandal last year. He had a slash line of .210/.330/.338. He will compete with Seby Zavala for the backup catcher spot.

Seby Zavala-Zavala saw action in 37 games last year in starting and backup duty while Grandal was out. He had some good moments as White Sox fans might recall but with Grandal healthy and Collins slightly ahead of him, Zavala may find himself in the minors again this season.

Outfielders:

Andrew Vaughn-Exactly what position will Andrew Vaughn will play in the big leagues may be uncertain. Maybe he will play right field, where help is needed or maybe he will spell the starters at first base. Vaughn is a useful player that can play several positions or could be a DH. Either way, his future is in the majors.

Micker Adolfo-Adolfo has had a strong spring training with a slash line of .500/.529/1.000. The White Sox just might take him up to the majors if he keeps playing as he has been.

Blake Rutherford-Rutherford has had a pretty tough spring training, having been at bat eight times and hasn’t had a hit. The White Sox are sure to keep him in the minors and let him grow and develop there for a while to see how he does. He’s not ready for the big time just yet.