The 8 White Sox players headed for free agency in 2021-22

After a disappointing ALDS run, the Chicago White Sox face tough decisions as they decide who to resign among 10 free agents in 2022. 

There’s a lot to think about after watching the 93-69 Chicago White Sox lose 3-1 in their first ALDS appearance since 2008.

One of the biggest questions looming ahead of the MLB offseason is which players the White Sox will decide to resign in 2022.

Many of the players on the chopping block were central to some of the White Sox’s biggest mistakes through their playoff run against the Houston Astros, including Carlos Rodon and Craig Kimbrel.

Here are the ten Chicago White Sox players who will become free agents following the 2021 season.

Craig Kimbrel

Craig Kimbrel hasn’t had an easy time of it since he was traded across town, and it’s about to get worse in free agency.

Unlike fellow pitcher Carlos Rodon, Kimbrel is expected to go below his current value when he hits the free agent market this year. According to Spotrac, Kimbrel has a projected value of $9,276,518 a year, or $27,829,554 over a three-year contract.

Kimbrel earned $16 million in 2021.

For now, Kimbrel will be remembered for his Game 2 mistakes, which may have cost him another contract in Chicago. But Kimbrel is one of two White Sox free agents who is a club option, and with his current value projected lower than his contract, the White Sox may buy out the rest of his contract.

Cesar Hernandez

The second club option contract on the team is second baseman Cesar Hernandez, who earned $6 million in 2021.

Hernandez’s option does not include a club buyout.

Leury Garcia

Outfielder Leury Garcia may be criticized for missing a key Game 2 hit, but his three-run hit in Game 3 helped the White Sox get their only win of the series.

Garcia only earned $3.5 million in 2021, a low cost for a player who has been with the White Sox since 2013. After his astounding walk-off homerun, Garcia may be a South Side hero the Sox decide to bring back for 2022.

Carlos Rodon

White Sox starting pitcher Carlos Rodon is only signed to Chicago for $3 million, which is a staggering amount below his expected market value.

Rodon’s market value garners a 4-year contract worth $96,318,504, according to Spotrac. That’s an estimated $24 million a year. Rodon’s projected value will be a major factor as to whether the White Sox sign him on for the long term or let him go in free agency.

Rodon was considered to be a mistake in the 10-1 Game 4 loss to the Astros.

Tim Beckham

Third baseman Tim Beckham will be hitting the free agency market in 2022. Drafted No. 1 overall in 2008, the 31-year-old Beckham earned $1.325 million in 2021.

Billy Hamilton

Centerfielder Billy Hamilton earned $1.25 million in 2021, making him a projected low-cost add for the White Sox if they were to sign him in 2022.

Brian Goodwin

Right-fielder Brian Goodwin only earned $1 million with the White Sox in 2021, but his projected 2022 is incrementally higher. Goodwin is projected to make $1.75 million in 2022 if he stays with his current team.

Ryan Tepera

Relief pitcher Ryan Tepera signed an incentive-laden contract for 2021, which included monetary rewards for every game he played in and how many days he remained active. His base salary was $800,000. His payroll salary is listed as $1.75 million.

Tepera made headlines during the ALDS when he accused the Houston Astros of stealing signs again, so he could be a dugout distraction the White Sox are willing to part ways with in 2021.