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MLB 2017: One X-factor for each team

By Brad Berreman

September 7, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Yasiel Puig (66) runs after he hits a solo home run in the sixth inning against Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sport
September 7, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Yasiel Puig (66) runs after he hits a solo home run in the sixth inning against Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sport /
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Mandatory Credit: Ed Zurga-Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Ed Zurga-Getty Images /

Chicago White Sox: SP Carlos Rodon

Rodon went just 9-10 with a 4.04 ERA in his first full major league season in 2016, but he upped his strikeout rate a bit (9.2 K/9) compared to his time in the big leagues in 2015 (9.0) while improving his walk rate substantially (2.9 BB/9; 4.6 in 2015).

Over 12 starts (73 innings) after the All-Star break last season, Rodon posted a 3.45 ERA, a 9.5 K/9 rate and a 2.7 BB/9 rate. Home runs are a concern for the young left-hander, with 23 total allowed last year, but Rodon allowed zero long balls or one long ball in 10 of is final 12 starts and a hitter-friendly home park should be noted.

Chris Sale is gone, James Shields’ performance does not equal his name recognition at this point and Jose Quintana seems sure to be traded once a suitable deal can be found by White Sox general manager Rick Hahn. So Rodon could become the ace of the starting rotation for the White Sox in very short order, and if he takes another step up in performance this year the future will be bright for the third overall pick in the 2014 draft.

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