3 White Sox players who won’t survive an early playoff exit

White Sox not guaranteed to bring back rental Ryan Tepera

In their trade with a cross-town rival, Ryan Tepera was pretty much an afterthought in the deal that brought Craig Kimbrel to the South Side. Yet, Tepera is a vital part of Chicago’s bullpen on the last year of his contract.

Unlike Kimbrel, Tepera doesn’t have an option for next year, and his sub-3 ERA suggests the White Sox might have interest in bringing him back at the right price. Yet, a rental is a rental, especially in a season where things don’t work out as planned.

If the Sox don’t reach their ultimate goal, expect Tepera to find work elsewhere next season.

Jake Lamb was nice depth, but that’s it

Lamb was productive enough behind Jose Abreu, especially when the 2020 AL MVP was injured for part of this season. But that productivity could lead to him landing a starting job elsewhere, and the White Sox won’t be willing to meet that price.

Not to mention, Lamb has trailed off later in the year to the point he’s struggling to hit over the Mendoza line. Veteran presence or not, the White Sox can do better behind their perennial MVP candidate.