We all know that the Chicago White Sox mostly underperformed in the first half of the 2022 season but that doesn’t mean that they can’t have a great ending to the season. They need to rattle off a lot of wins in order to get to the playoffs which feels like something that could happen.
They are probably going to be buyers at the MLB Trade Deadline as long as they don’t lose every game between now and then. With the players that they already have on the team, it seems obvious that they are going to at least try to improve their roster.
Rick Hahn has mostly done a good job with this rebuild. He has made some good trades and some not-so-good trades but there is no doubt that he has brought more talent into this organization than there has been in the decade leading up to now.
Going into this trade deadline, there are some obvious needs for the team. The media asked Rick Hahn a question about that on Friday and his answer might surprise you. He thinks that the bullpen is the big area of concern going into the second half.
A lot of talk from Rick Hahn today on how Sox will approach trade deadline. Mentioned bullpen as a probable priority, also pointed to 2B and RF as positions where team has not excelled, still calling Harrison and Sheets “options” there as they’ve improved as time has gone on.
— Vinnie Duber (@VinnieDuber) July 22, 2022
Hahn mentioned 2B and RF as positions where Sox have not been as productive as hoped. Obviously the case at C and 3B, too, right? With Moncada and Grandal struggling so mightily? Yes, but Sox aren't calling those positions potential deadline needs. I asked Hahn why. His answer: pic.twitter.com/gkNa1Epded
— Vinnie Duber (@VinnieDuber) July 22, 2022
The Chicago White Sox are a team that needs to make some upgrades.
That is wild to hear because of how much money the White Sox have spent on the bullpen in recent years. Over the last two offseasons, they have paid a lot of money for Liam Hendriks, Kendall Graveman, and Joe Kelly.
They also traded Nick Madrigal and Codi Heuer to the Chicago Cubs to get Craig Kimbrel. Joe Kelly has struggled but will probably figure it out based on his history in the league. Garrett Crochet is out for the season and Aaron Bummer might make it back in time for the playoffs.
Michael Kopech went from the bullpen to the rotation but Reynaldo Lopez has taken his spot as the superweapon. It is fair to understand that this is an area to upgrade but for Hahn to lead off with it as the priority is a bit concerning. We can only hope that they pitch well in the second half.
Rick Hahn also mentioned second base and right field as positions in which the White Sox need to get better. We will see if the health of Jimenez allows Pollock to play right more often but second base is still an issue.
Regardless of what happens, the White Sox need to be smart at the trade deadline. If they are going to pay to get players in there, they better make sure that they are the right players. This team can go on a run if they bring in the right people.