The Chicago White Sox have looked foolish a lot in 2022. However, there are things that make them look more foolish than others and one of them was on full display on Thursday night. That is the fact that Carlos Rodon wasn’t brought back and that is still a huge mistake.
Rodon had some injury concerns as 2021 was the first year that he proved what he can do. He had some arm soreness at the end of the year but that was clearly because of the fact that he hadn’t pitched in a full season in a very long time.
It was pretty clear that in 2022, he would have another year behind him where he can build enough stamina for an entire season without soreness. That has become a reality. Unfortunately, that reality is for the San Francisco Giants and not the Chicago White Sox.
On Thursday night, Rodon got the start for the Giants against the Colorado Rockies. He earned the win which was his 14th of the season. That would be tied with Dylan Cease for the team lead. Rodon went 6.0 innings where he gave up no runs on two hits with no walks and 10 strikeouts.
The Chicago White Sox made a huge mistake by not bringing Carlos Rodon back.
Yes, Rodon is throwing double-digit strikeout games in late September. He has been absolutely incredible for this Giants team as his ERA is now down to 2.88. It was a major mistake for the White Sox to not bring him back.
Any concerns about his arm soreness from last fall are nonsense as it was clearly a result of finally pitching for a full season. He came in 5th place for the American League Cy Young for a reason. He is as good as they come right now.
He will have another top-five Cy Young finish in the National League this year as he has been that good with the Giants. Having him in the rotation this year for the White Sox would have gone a long way for them.
With Kopech’s innings limited, the struggles of some players, and the injuries of others, Rodon would have been perfect for this squad. Dylan Cease and Carlos Rodon would have formed an amazing two-headed monster this year if they were together.
Rodon pitched enough innings this year to opt-out of his current deal with the Giants. It is likely that he will as they aren’t a playoff team this year but you never know who he signs with. It could be with the White Sox but don’t count on it at this point.