The Chicago White Sox had a dismal 2023 season, sitting at 60-96 at the time of this blog. They have struggled in all facets of the game, and seem to lack direction for the future. So, in this article, I will provide some moves for the White Sox to make this offseason in order to begin their rebuild process.
Parting Ways
In order to properly rebuild, the White Sox will have to part ways with some of their long-time players - starting with Yasmani Grandal and Tim Anderson.
Grandal has had a poor year, posting a 79 OPS+ and a -0.5 WAR. He has struggled behind the backstop this season, his claim to fame, and has provided little at the plate. At 35 years old next season, and a free agent this offseason, it will be wise for the White Sox to cut ties with the catcher.
Anderson has consistently been amongst the leaders in average for the MLB, but that has not been the case this season. He is batting .248 with a 62 OPS+, to go along with below average defense at shortstop (-1.8 WAR). Anderson has a club option after this season, and a change of scenery may be best for his future. The White Sox should either decline his club option, or pick it up and trade him and get him off their books.
Resign
With Anderson and Grandal gone in this hypothetical world, the White Sox should look to re-sign Mike Clevinger to a 2-3 year deal. Clevinger has been a great surprise for the White Sox, posting a 3.42 ERA and 1.19 WHIP, providing stability to an otherwise dismal rotation outside of Dylan Cease. While Clevinger will be 33 years old next season, he would be a valuable trade piece for the White Sox in the future, while simultaneously providing some stability in the rotation.
Signings
First, the White Sox should look into Luis Severino. Severino had an awful year, as he had a 6.65 ERA and a 1.65 WHIP. However, the White Sox should be willing to take a flier on him for a prove-it-deal, similar to what they did with Clevinger last season, and if the price is right, offer Severino a 1 or 2 year deal around $10 million AAV. Severino is only one year removed from a season where he made 19 starts to a tune of a 3.18 ERA and a 1.00 WHIP, and if he can resemble anything like that, then he will be a key piece that they could move for prospects at the deadline.
Second, the White Sox should look into acquiring a young hitter and pitcher who have so far struggled in the big leagues, via trade or free agency. Sometimes, all it takes for someone to reach their full potential is a change in scenery, and with the White Sox not playing for much next season, they can offer a longer leash to those players, and hopefully tap into their potential.
Finally, the White Sox should inquire about offers for Dylan Cease. While it is not necessary to trade Cease yet, he may not be a part of the long-term plans, as he will be 28 years old next season. By the time the White Sox resemble anything of a contending team again, Cease may be in his mid 30’s, past his prime. Again, though it is not imperative that the White Sox trade Cease, they should at least see his value around the league, and if the right prospect haul is available, they should pull the trigger.
While the rebuilding process may take 3+ years, the White Sox should begin it this offseason, instead of prolonging the inevitable failure.
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