"Why Can't We Actively Try To Win? Offseason Plan"
PREAMBLE
Unfortunately, the White Sox organization is content with being VERY bad (Record setting bad). All I hear about is how we need to wait until 28’ to expect to compete. WHY? Look at the DBacks in 23’…Royals this past season. I understand their rosters were different than ours. However, I do think the Sox pitching staff is ahead of the curve. With where the roster stands right now, we do not NEED to spend over $100M to put (at the very least) a COMPETITIVE team on the field next season. I will attempt to work under “THEIR CONSTRAINTS” to put together a competitive roster that will make White Sox fans excited to watch on a nightly basis.
MANAGER
HIRED: Will Venable
ARBITRATION-ELIGIBLE PLAYERS
Write “tender,” “non-tender” or “rework/extend” after each player and their projected 2025 salaries. Feel free to offer an explanation afterward if necessary.
- Andrew Vaughn: $6.4M – Non-Tender
- Nicky Lopez: $5.1M – Non-Tendered already
- Garrett Crochet: $2.9M – Tender (Will not be on the team for long)
- Gavin Sheets: $2.6M – Non-Tender
- Enyel De Los Santos: $1.7M – Non-Tender
- Jimmy Lambert: $1.2M – Non-Tendered already
- Justin Anderson: $1.1M -– Non-Tender
- Steven Wilson: $1M – Tender
- Matt Foster: $900K – Non-Tendered already
CLUB OPTIONS
Write “pick up” or “decline” or “rework” after the option.
- Yoán Moncada: $25M ($5M buyout) – Declined Already
- Max Stassi: $7M ($500K buyout) – Declined Already
OTHER IMPENDING FREE AGENTS
Try to retain, extend qualifying offer, or let go?
- Michael Soroka (Made $3M in 2023) – Let go
- Mike Clevinger ($3M) – Let go
- Chris Flexen ($1.75) – Let go
FREE AGENTS
List three free-agent targets you’d pursue during the offseason, with a reasonable contract. A good example of a bad idea:
No. 1: 1B Carlos Santana (1 year, $6 million). Santana would be the perfect switch-hitting vet who has spent much of his career in the AL Central. I chose to sign him over retaining Vaughn because I think Elko will be the 1B in the near future.
No. 2: SS Amed Rosario (1 year, $3 million). Cheap somewhat experienced SS until Montgomery ready.
No. 3: SP Matt Boyd (1 year, $5 million). Lefty SP who can replace Crochet as the only lefty in the rotation. Could be moved at deadline.
No. 4: RP Scott Barlow (2 years, $5 million). Need to add one experienced relief pitcher to a group who will have very little experience.
TRADES
Propose trades that you think sound reasonable for both sides, and the rationale behind them. A good example of a bad idea:
No. 1: Trade Garret Crochet to the Red Sox for RF - Wilyer Abreu, INF/OF – Kristian Campbell (Red Sox 3rd Ranked Prospect), SS Franklin Arias (Red Sox 6th Ranked Prospect) & SP – Yordanny Monegro (Red Sox 25th Ranked Prospect)
SUMMARY
Is this how I would run the White Sox? ABSOLUTELY NOT. I would spend A LOT more $$$ but unfortunately, I know they are not interested in winning so this plan fits perfect for the White Sox. While this is a boring off-season plan, I think it is a realistic one. We should see several 1- or 2-year deals with experienced players who can hold down positions until the younger guys like Montgomery are ready. Like this past season…I would not be surprised to see many players make their MLB debuts in 25’. I have created my plan with that idea in mind.
TOTAL PAYROLL: $72.3M
