The 2018 version of the White Sox organization was a mixed bag. With my plan I hope to field a team that will not only increase the floor/ceiling for 2019, but also have an arc that fits into the 2021/2022 (realistic) vast improvement window. My version of the 2019 White Sox is not going to contend for a Central division title, but could give Minnesota a run for their money for 2nd in the division. Payroll teaser: $71.98 million.
ARBITRATION-ELIGIBLE PLAYERS
Jose Abreu, $16M - Tender
Avisail Garcia, $8M – Non-tender
Yolmer Sanchez, $4.7M - Tender
Carlos Rodon, $3.7M - Tender
Matt Davidson, $2.4M - Tender
Leury Garcia, $1.9M - Tender
Danny Farquhar, $1.4M – Non-tender
The contracts tendered are pretty straight forward, the ship has aviSAILED.
CLUB OPTIONS
Nate Jones, $4.65 million/$1.25M buyout – Pick up
James Shields, $16 million/$2M buyout – Decline
The Nate Jones decision is more difficult than that of James Shields. For $3.4 see what Jones can do, hopefully he starts the year healthy soaking up some high leverage innings while the crew of young pen arms sort themselves out in less meaningful innings.
OTHER IMPENDING FREE AGENTS
Miguel Gonzalez (made $4.75 million in 2018) – Let go
Hector Santiago (made $2 million in 2018 — added) – Let go
FREE AGENTS
No. 1: Gio Gonzalez (2 year $28 mil w/ $12 mil club option $2.5 B.O.) bring Gio in to help ballast a staff of young pitchers. Gio helps bridge to the contention years and is, hopefully, tradable in 2020 if we need to make room for pitchers.
No. 2: Drew Pomeranz (1 year $6 mil) bring in a pitcher with something to prove at a rate that is stomachable to waive if need be.
No. 3: Martin Maldonado (1 year $4 mil) there are many RH catchers that are cheap and can spell Narvaez when he needs a day off.
TRADES
No. 1: Trade Carlos Rodon and Leury Garcia to the Houston Astros for Kyle Tucker, Framber Valdez, and 2 other prospects (CI/P - in the 20-30 range). This is a big trade with an eye towards the future. Kyle Tucker will slot into everyday RF duties and Framber Valdez cracks the young rotation in 2019. Houston gets a SP whom will truthfully excel and make this trade look regrettable for the next 4 years and a super sub that can soften the blow of the departing Marwin Gonzalez.
No. 2: Trade Wellington Castillo, Jordan Guerrero, and Tito Polo for Maikel Franco and Odubel Herrera. Wellington Castillo has fallen out of grace, but can help a team like the Phillies bring young catch Alfaro along. I believe the Phillies will sign one of Machado/Harper, with either signing the Phillies have young players to fill the vacated positions.
SUMMARY
Every day players:
After missing out on Harper/Machado et al, the White Sox had to go to work gathering assets that quality players might actually want to play with. In trading for Herrera, Tucker and Franco the offense gets a floor boost and ceiling boost. Here is the roster post Jimenez call-up:
C – Omar Narvaez
1B – Jose Abreu
2B – Yoan Moncada
3B – Maikel Franco
SS – Tim Anderson
LF – Eloy Jimenez
CF – Odubel Herrera
RF – Kyle Tucker
Bench:
Martin Maldonado (C)
Adam Engel (LF/CF/RF)
Matt Davidson (DH/1B/3B/RHP)
Yolmer Sanchez (3B/2B/SS/LF)
Pitching Staff:
This pitching staff is about one thing, development. I do not feel the White Sox are in a position to bring in a high dollar pitcher that will have declined by the time they reach serious contention. Gio Gonzalez will come in and pitch steady innings for the White Sox while not breaking the bank. In bringing in Drew Pomeranz, I hope he improves to an average pitcher, if not he is moved on from with the Renteria implementing a BP day (same can be said for Giolito if he needs to be sent down). With the still low payroll Jerry instead invest significant dollars in airline tickets for Charlotte to Chicago as pitchers will be tried out to see who has what it takes at the major league level.
The bullpen breaks camp with out of optioners that won’t clear, quality performers from the year before, and who ever looks strong in spring training. Also important to have some long arms with such a flimsy SP staff. Matt Davidson will be used in a pitching capacity when needed for 2019.
SP:
Reynaldo Lopez
Gio Gonzalez
Lucas Giolito
Drew Pomeranz
Framber Valdez
BP:
Jace Fry
Juan Minaya
Nate Jones
Ian Hamilton
Caleb Frare
Carson Fulmer
Dylan Covey
Thanks for reading and I look forward to your thoughts.
Jer
