White Sox: 3 offseason decisions Chicago wishes they could have back
By Drew Koch
It’s early but it’s looking like the Chicago White Sox regret these offseason moves.
The Chicago White Sox won the American League Central in 2021 and are arguably the class of the division heading into the 2022 season. An early exit from last year’s postseason no doubt fueled the White Sox front office to improve the club during the offseason.
But nobody bats 1.000, and Chicago is no exception. What decisions might executive vice president Ken Williams, general manager Rick Hahn, and the rest White Sox front office wish they had to do over again?
1. Lack of a second baseman will come back to haunt the White Sox
The Chicago White Sox made the decision to move on from Cesar Hernandez during the offseason, and after hitting just .232 last season and posting a meager .608 OPS, that was the right decision. However, it’s not as if the White Sox improved the position during the offseason.
Yes, Leury Garcia was signed to a three-year extension, and the long time Chicago utility player can handle duties at second base. But removing Garcia from that role causes a ripple effect, and the team is now a little thin in terms of bench players.
Josh Harrison was signed over the offseason, and he’ll provide some depth, but the former Pittsburgh Pirates infielder’s best days are behind him. At age 34, Harrison is little more than a spot-starter at best.
Donovan Solano would have been a shrewd addition to the Chicago lineup. A solid bat against left-handed pitching, Solano signed a one-year/$4.5M contract with the Cincinnati Reds this past offseason. Fans on the south side are hopeful that the depth at second base won’t come back to bite the White Sox this season.