MLB Power Rankings: Which pitching rotation is the best in baseball?
By Phil Akre
28. Chicago White Sox
The only reason the White Sox aren’t dead last is because of the teams young talent.
Carson Fulmer, the No. 8 pick in the 2015 draft, was recently sent to the minors. He’s got great stuff, but it hasn’t translated to the major leagues. In his last three starts before his demotion, he allowed 17 earned runs and five home runs.
As a whole, Chicago’s rotation has pitched to a 5.76 ERA, tied for dead last in the majors. They are the only starting rotation in the majors not to have reached the 200 strikeout mark yet (188).
As the team continues through its rebuild, it’s worth noting that it does some serious talent on the mound.
Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo Lopez, two marquee additions from the Adam Eaton trade, come to mind. Giolito in particular hasn’t gotten off to a great start, though.
The games No. 1 overall prospect just a few years ago, the 23-year-old has pitched to a 7.53 ERA through his 11 starts. His biggest issue lies in his length, as he averages just five innings per start.
Lopez has been the better of the two, with a 3.80 ERA and 1.250 WHIP.
The two veterans of the rotation, James Shields and Hector Santiago, have combined for a 4.70 ERA. Santiago has made just five starts, with the majority of his appearances coming from the bullpen.
Fortunately for the Sox, they have Michael Kopech. The fireballer is about as ready as one can be for the major leagues. He’s regarded as many as a consensus top-20 prospect in all of baseball.
Unfortunately for the fans, they’ll have to endure a long rebuild. But, some real talent should be rounding out the rotation of the future very soon.