Gibby’s 2022 Swift and Targeted Offseason Plan

PREAMBLE

2021 overall was a successful year for the Whitesox but left the fanbase with an understanding that this team has not yet reached the next level needed to be a serious contender for a world series championship. My offseason plan focus is to acquire finishing pieces that are needed and freeing up salary to help accomplish this. This is easier said than done and will come with making some unpopular and harsh decisions.

ARBITRATION-ELIGIBLE PLAYER

• Lucas Giolito: $7.9M Tender
• Reynaldo López; $2.8M non-tender
• Evan Marshall: $2.3M non-tender
• Adam Engel: $2.2M non-tender
• Brian Goodwin: $1.7M non-tender
• Jimmy Cordero: $1.2M non-tender
• Jace Fry: $1M non-tender

CLUB OPTIONS

Write “pick up” or “decline” or “rework” after the option.

• Craig Kimbrel: $16M ($1M buyout) decline
• César Hernández: $6M decline

OTHER IMPENDING FREE AGENTS

Try to retain, extend qualifying offer, or let go?

• Leury García (Made $3.5M in 2021) let go
• Carlos Rodón ($3M) let go
• Billy Hamilton ($1M) let go
• Ryan Tepera ($950K) retain

FREE AGENTS

No. 1: Marcus Semien (four years, 100,000 million).  Top position of need and should be the top target for the front office.

No 2:  Starling Marte (two years, $20 million). This finally solves the problem of having a proven right fielder that actually produces results

No 2:  Jon Gray (three years, $21 million).  Solid starter that will solidify the rotation and offset the trade below.

TRADES

The goal here is to free up salary that we can use to acquire finishing pieces needed to round out this team.  Additionally, looking to acquire an affordable top of the rotation starting pitcher and cost efficient defensive catcher.  To accomplish this will require giving back assets that are under control and players with future potential.

No. 1: Trade Andrew Vaughn, Dylan Cease and Dallas Keuchel to the Phillies for Zack Wheeler

No. 2 Trade Yasmani Grandal to the Rangers for Jose Trevino and prospects

SUMMARY

Some of these moves are a stretch I get it but the Sox will either need to move some salary or significantly increase the budget to get this team to the next level.  This plan comes in just shy of 170 million.  I stand by 2B as top position of need plus solidifying RF and addressing defense at catcher.  After watching the post-season a proven top of the rotation arm is needed.  The Phillies are dealing with budget issues and are looking to shed salary.  Wheeler is homerun acquisition but comes with a cost.  While I will always root for Carlos Rodon there too much risk there to gamble and knowing who his agent is it’s not likely we resign him.  I’m not ready to extend Giolito unless it comes with a hometown discount.  Too much inconsistency here, I need to see him put a full season together.  Regarding Kimbrel, I’m in the camp of paying the 1 million buyout and call it a day.  This one just didn’t work out.

Breakdown by position:

Catcher (3): $1,159,000

Jose Trevino:  ($584K)
Zack Collins ($575k)

Infielders (5): $68,545,000

Yoan Moncada ($13.8 mil)
Tim Anderson ($9.5 mil)
Marcus Semien ($25 mil)
Jose Abreu ($19.67 mil)
Romy Gonzalez ($575k)

Outfielders (5): $23,905,000

Eloy Jimenez ($7.33 mil)
Luis Robert ($6 mil)
Gavin Sheets ($575k)
Starling Marte ($10 mil)

Starting Pitchers (5): $57,675,000

Zack Wheeler ($23.6)
Lucas Giolito ($8 mil)
Lance Lynn ($18.5 mil)
Jon Gray ($7 mil)
Michael Kopech ($575k)

Relievers (7): $17,875,000

Liam Hendriks ($13.3 mil)
Aaron Bummer ($2.5 mil)
Ryan Tepera ($1.5 mil)
Garret Crochet ($575k)

Take a second to support Sox Machine on Patreon