White Sox: 3 free agents to sign and 1 to avoid this offseason

FORT MYERS, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 26: Jake Odorizzi #12 of the Minnesota Twins delivers a pitch against the Philadelphia Phillies during a Grapefruit League spring training game at Hammond Stadium on February 26, 2020 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

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Sep 26, 2020; Oakland, California, USA; Oakland Athletics relief pitcher Liam Hendriks (16) stands on the mound during the seventh inning against the Seattle Mariners at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports /

Pick Analysis. Oakland Athletics. Liam Hendriks. 2.. Scouting Report. RP. player. 96

When looking at the White Sox, their biggest need is at the closer’s position. Alex Colome was a solid late relief pitcher for Chicago this past season, but they opted to let him hit the open market this winter. Even though Colome was a good option for the White Sox, there’s a much better option in free agency, and that’s Liam Hendriks.

The White Sox know all too well about Hendriks, as his stellar pitching played a role in them getting eliminated by the Oakland Athletics in the AL Wild-Card Round. Chicago didn’t need first hand experience to know just how dominant Hendriks is entering the ninth inning, just look at the stats.

In 2019, Hendriks recorded a 1.78 ERA and 24 saves, while striking out 24 batters in 85 innings of work. 2020 was just as good for the Australian lefty, as he accumulated a 1.78 ERA and 14 saves in 25.1 innings of work. In fact, Hendriks finished ninth in AL Cy Young voting and 13th in the AL MVP votes.

This isn’t just a random link between Hendriks and the White Sox. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the White Sox “have their eyes set” on the former Athletics closer. The interest is there, and the White Sox need to get the job done.

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