One reason each MLB team can win the World Series in 2017

Nov 4, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; (from left to right) Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo and center fielder Dexter Fowler and third baseman Kris Bryant and right fielder Jason Heyward celebrate during their World Series parade outside of Wrigley Field on Addison Street. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports /

6 of 30

Sep 20, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Chicago White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu (79) hits a double against the Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Chicago White Sox: Jose Abreu keeps them afloat

With the White Sox, we have reached the first team in the league that will require an undue amount of imagination to predict a World Series run. The ChiSox are in the midst of a full-scale rebuild, having traded away Chris Sale and Adam Eaton this winter. Both brought back elite prospect hauls that will set the South Siders up well for the future. Headlined by Yoan Moncada, Reynaldo Lopez, and Lucas Giolito, the next great core for the White Sox is in the system.

For now, Chicago is holding onto Jose Quintana, Jose Abreu, and Todd Frazier, but all could be dealt at some point before the deadline. There are still a few quality pieces hanging around that could keep the White Sox from being a 100-loss disaster this season, and that starts with Abreu.

The slugging first baseman is coming off his third 100-RBI season in as many tries in the big leagues. He did have what could be considered a down year in 2016, but still hit 25 home runs with an OPS of .820. There is still enough talent in the lineup surrounding Abreu that the White Sox could somehow pull off a shocker for the ages, especially if they allow Moncada, Lopez, and Giolito to contribute down the stretch. It’s highly unlikely, but stranger things have happened.

Home/MLB