3 Chicago White Sox off-season misses that hurt them

Failing To Swing A Trade For Sean Manea

The Chicago White Sox could have really used a starter like Sean Manaea.

Starting pitching depth is a reoccurring issue. While Vince Velasquez put together a solid start against the Los Angeles Angels in his last outing, he cannot be trusted long term. In 2020 he posted a hefty 5.56 ERA which imploded to 6.30 the following season.

As a spot starter/long reliever, he is a viable option. As a starter every fifth day, he is not. In April, he has been very inconsistent for the White Sox.

Meanwhile, Dallas Keuchel is not pitching well at all. The former Cy Young winner has picked up right where he left off last season serving up runs at an alarming rate. Keuchel has an 8.40 ERA in four starts. When he takes the mound it feels like the team has no shot of winning that day.

Johnny Cueto seems like a nice addition on paper but his contributions to the team have yet to be seen. With Lance Lynn’s injury, starting pitching depth is imperative for the White Sox.

Sean Manea seemed like the perfect fit with the White Sox. Manaea has been an effective starter since entering the big leagues in 2016. In 737 innings he owns a career ERA of 3.86.

With only one year remaining on his contract, Manaea would have served as a one-year rental. The 30-year-old has also posted a 24.8% strikeout rate, 5.2% walk rate, and 43.8% ground ball rate.

The key to a pitcher’s success at Guaranteed Rate Field is the ability to keep the ball on the ground. Manea is also coming off a productive season that saw him accumulate 194 strikeouts, a 1.23 WHIP, and a 3.91 ERA.

Unfortunately, the White Sox have a thin farm system, which makes their decision to make make a greater push to resign Rodon all the more interesting.