3 players the Chicago White Sox gave up on too early

Marcus Semien

Marcus Semien would have been great for the Chicago White Sox in 2022.

Before Marcus Semien became an All-Star, Gold Glove Winner, and Silver Slugger Award Winner, he was an infielder for the Chicago White Sox.

Semien spent his first two years in the big leagues in Chicago. He batted .240/.293/.380 with eight home runs during that stretch. It was Semien’s first taste of major league action and it was nothing to write home about.

He showed glimpses of potential but it was hard to envision him as the star player he is today. Yet here we are and Semien just signed a massive deal worth $175 million to play second base for the Texas Rangers.

The White Sox traded Semiem in a trade package for Jeff Samardjza. Samardjza was terrible for the White Sox while Semien turned into an All-Star with the Oakland A’s.

During his six seasons with the Athletics, he became an All-Star, Gold Glove Award winner, and a two-time Silver Slugger. He is as dependable of a player as they come. In 2019, he led the entire MLB in games played and plate appearances.

He did it once again in 2021. In 2019, he finished third in the MVP voting after hitting .285 with 33 home runs and 92 RBIs. He had an even better season in 2021, increasing his home run total to 45 and RBI total to 102.

Semien has quietly emerged as one of the best middle infielders in baseball. Had the White Sox given him more time, he might be their starting second baseman right now.