2016 MLB Season: AL Central Preview

3. Chicago White Sox

The White Sox offseason has seen its share of ups-and-downs. From the multiple high-profile additions to the whole Adam LaRoche situation, it hasn’t been headline-free. However, I actually think the White Sox will improve on their disappointing 2015 season that saw them go just 76-86.

Projected Lineup

1. Adam Eaton, LF
2. Melky Cabrera, DH
3. Jose Abreu, 1B
4. Todd Frazier, 3B
5. Austin Jackson, CF
6. Brett Lawrie, 2B
7. Avisail Garcia, RF
8. Alex Avila, C
9. Jimmy Rollins

In a lineup that features five new faces, I am a big fan of the work the White Sox did in the offseason. While Jose Abreu had previously been the one power bat, he’ll now be joined by Todd Frazier. Adam Eaton should continue to be a solid leadoff bat and Melky Cabrera will likely have a better season than his first campaign in Chicago. The X-Factor is most likely Avisail Garcia. While it seems like his potential has been discussed for year, he’s still just 24-years-old. If he can reach his potential, all of a sudden you got reliable hitters from 1-7.

Projected Rotation

1. Chris Sale
2. Jose Quintana
3. Carlos Rodon
4. John Danks
5. Mat Latos

The rotation is loaded with lefties. Led by perennial Cy-Young award candidate Chris Sale, the rotation has a nice mix of veterans and young guns. Jose Quintana is a great bet for 200 innings and a mid-3 ERA. Carlos Rodon possesses ace-like stuff and could easily lift the team to a new level. In John Danks, you have a veteran that can help mentor the younger arms. Lastly, the offseason addition of Mat Latos should provide them with another reliable pitcher. I understand Latos gets a lot of heat for being a poor clubhouse guy, but this could easily be the best offseason signing for the Sox.

Projected Record: 85-77

Next: 2. Detroit Tigers