The White Sox fooled national writers before with their first rebuild, so I wouldn't blame outsiders -- or insiders for that matter -- for casting a jaundiced eye upon the South Siders until Rick Hahn proves that he can meaningfully add to a core.
That said, Mike Petriello of MLB.com decided to step up and make a case for the White Sox. He provides context saying that nine teams over the last decade have jumped from 89 losses to the postseason in a year, which is more than I realized. He also notes that the Sox could have more than half the roster devoted to young, promising talent, which is better than they were the last time around.
The question is whether the the White Sox, with their terrible track record with pro scouting and (perhaps related) lack of courage with big contracts, can supplement this core with MLB talent that can also compensate for some team weaknesses. This exercise requires giving the White Sox the benefit of the doubt, and Petriello offers his idea with the free agent I'm probably most enthusiastic about.
But allow us to offer the most valuable option of all: Sign Yasmani Grandal. Prioritize it. It's the only move that helps your lineup and your pitching staff.
Pretty much!
The catch regarding the catcher is that his market should be more active this time around. Grandal was hampered by the qualifying offer to such an extent that only the Mets made anything resembling a compelling multi-year offer. Grandal decided to bet on himself with a one-year contract, and it's a bet he won. Baseball Prospectus said he was worth 6.1 WARP thanks to his combination of reliable offensive skills (.246/.380/.468 with 28 homers and 109 walks) and elite receiving (20.1 Fielding Runs Above Average).
The Brewers will try to retain him, and that's only the start of what's expected to be a crowded marketplace.
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Speaking of the market, updating some of the decisions that affect the shape and depth of it:
Stephen Strasburg: Opted out of the remaining four years and $100 million of his contract with the Washington Nationals, but it remains unclear how seriously he'll entertain other options, as both sides agreed to wait until after the championship parade to discuss an extension in earnest.
The Nationals are apparently serious about retaining Anthony Rendon, in a way that doesn't include serious deferrals like their token offer to Bryce Harper.
In the meantime, the Nationals picked up Adam Eaton's $9.5 million option for 2020.
J.D. Martinez: No updates of note, but Matthew Trueblood of Baseball Prospectus included Martinez in his list of "almost automatic" qualifying offers. That list also includes Rendon, Strasburg, Gerrit Cole, Josh Donaldson, Aroldis Chapman, Madison Bumgarner and Zack Wheeler.
One notch below: Will Smith, Marcell Ozuna, Jake Odorizzi and Didi Gregorius.
Jose Abreu is listed as a "long shot," which seems fair. I can construct an argument where the risk (he accepts a $17.8 million deal) and reward (warding off the threat of a rogue bidder) belong on the same scale, but I'd guess both sides will trust their bond, and the White Sox will trust the market's cool reception toward older corner bats with plate discipline issues.
