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MLB free agency: One free agent each team should sign

By Joshua Sadlock

CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 24: Kansas City Royals First base Eric Hosmer (35) during the game between the Kansas City Royals and the Chicago White Sox on September 24, 2017 at Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago, Illinois.(Photo by Jerome Lynch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 24: Kansas City Royals First base Eric Hosmer (35) during the game between the Kansas City Royals and the Chicago White Sox on September 24, 2017 at Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago, Illinois.(Photo by Jerome Lynch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 20: Starting pitcher Wade Miley #38 of the Baltimore Orioles throws to a Boston Red Sox batter in the second inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 20, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 20: Starting pitcher Wade Miley #38 of the Baltimore Orioles throws to a Boston Red Sox batter in the second inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 20, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Chicago White Sox: Wade Miley

The first year of the White Sox rebuild has not been a complete disaster, but their time to contend is still several years away. Their hopes hinge on the development of young pitching prospects, much like the Braves. This year has seen Lucas Giolito rise to the big leagues and perform well, but the White Sox still need to wait on Michael Kopech, Dylan Cease and Reynaldo Lopez.

Giolito and Lopez should start the 2018 season in the White Sox rotation, and will definitely be joined by James Shields. Beyond those three, the Sox will be looking to fill out their rotation with cheap, veteran innings eaters. It’s not about winning, it’s about getting through the season without putting too much pressure on the young arms and risking their future.

Wade Miley is coming off a miserable year with the Orioles, but he has taken his turn every fifth day with great reliability. Since reaching the big leagues in 2012, Miley has appeared in at least 30 games each season and has been good for at least 150 innings.

Miley is difficult to watch on the mound because he is not blessed with overwhelming stuff. He nibbles around the edges of the strike zone and leads the majors in walks this year. The left-hander will still draw interest in free agency because he is still only 30 and is durable. The White Sox can get him on the cheap and send him out every fifth day. In a year where the results won’t matter, that’s more than enough for a rebuilding team like Chicago.

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