3 offseason moves the White Sox must make after early playoff exit
By Sean Sears
2. Find more reliable arms for the bullpen and rotation
The White Sox came into the postseason with a clear idea of who would be taking the mound for them in Game 1 and 2 of any series, with Lucas Giolito and Dallas Keuchel having excellent campaigns. Rick Renteria decided to give the nod to Dane Dunning for the Game 3 start against the Athletics, but after just 0.2 IP and two hits allowed he was pulled in favor of lefty fireballer Garret Crochett.
Former top prospect Dylan Cease looked good not great in his first “full” season in the majors. Cease made 12 starts for the White Sox posting a 4.01 ERA and strikeout just 10 more batters than he walked as his command seemed to elude him at times during games.
Michael Kopech is expected to be back in 2021 after deciding not to play this season due to COVID-19. The 24-year-old made four starts in 2018 before being shut down and missing the entire 2019 season recovering from Tommy John surgery. When healthy though, Kopech can mow batters down as shown by his 12.11 K/9 in 24 starts for the White Sox Triple-A affiliate back in 2018.
There’s plenty of hope that their young core of relievers can improve on their subpar numbers this season, but there is the makings of a strong bullpen once young arms like Jonathan Stiever and Zack Burdi get more time in the majors. But if they are unable to re-sign closer Alex Colome this offseason they’ll need another reliable arm to held the backend of the bullpen.
Players like Ken Giles or Blake Treinen would be a fun fit for the White Sox, but it also wouldn’t be surprised to see Chicago have interest in a starter like Marcus Stroman or maybe even a reunion with Jose Quintana.