White Sox rumors: 3 long-term replacements for Tim Anderson
By Mark Powell
Chicago White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson has worn out his welcome in the Windy City after getting in a fight with Jose Ramirez of the Cleveland Guardians.
Can this White Sox season get any worse?
Just days after selling off assets at the MLB trade deadline AND a fight involving shortstop Tim Anderson — of which he’ll likely receive a suspension for — ESPN published an article featuring former White Sox reliever Keynan Middleton’s thoughts on a so-called ‘no rules’ clubhouse. Middleton and sources close to the team went in detail regarding the lack of discipline in the organization from the top-down. It was embarrassing, and suggested a trade deadline teardown was just the beginning.
Anderson, a player who has taken a major step back this season and has a team option in the offseason, could be next. While the free-agent shortstop market is barren, Anderson has been one of the worst players in baseball this season offensively, slashing .244/.285/.292 thanks to a recent hot streak. If Rick Hahn really is fed up with Anderson’s antics, he should have these possible replacements in mind.
White Sox: Replace Tim Anderson from within
Chicago is lucky to have one of the top prospects in baseball, Colson Montgomery. While just 21 years old, MLB Pipeline believes Montgomery will make his MLB debut in 2024, which lines up perfectly for life post-Tim Anderson. Montgomery is the No. 19 prospect in all of baseball, and one of the keys to Chicago’s next competitive window. Per MLB Pipeline, Montgomery’s bat is already major-league ready:
"“Montgomery has impressed evaluators with his ability to make advanced swing decisions for a youngster, rarely chasing pitches out of the strike zone while laying off difficult offerings and pounding the ones he should. He has focused on controlling the zone, using the entire field and making consistent hard contact early in his pro career. With his hitting ability, bat speed, projectable strength and leverage, he should provide at least solid power once he starts launching more balls in the air.”"
Despite his average speed, the White Sox believe Montgomery can remain at shortstop thanks to his big frame and range at the position. He’s a clear replacement for Anderson sometime down the road. Why not 2024?