Cleveland Indians: Breaking down the AL Central race in 2017
By Nick Gordon
5. Chicago White Sox (68-94) – Over/Under Win Total: 73.5
Sell. Sell. Sell. The Chicago White Sox made it very clear when they dealt Chris Sale to the Red Sox that it’s time to rebuild, yet again. The White Sox received a potential star in Yoan Moncada, who mlb.com ranks as the number two prospect in the MLB.
Along with Moncada, Chicago also landed a top-five right-handed pitching prospect in Michael Kopech. It is expected that these prospects are a while away from their big league call-ups, but scouts are raving about the day that finally comes.
Likewise with Sale, the White Sox made a hard push to trade left-handed starter Jose Quintana. Ultimately, Chicago has yet to be satisfied by an offer. However, if Chicago’s season suffers an abysmal start, don’t be surprised if the asking price for Quintana decreases.
Quintana isn’t the only potential player on the move, should the White Sox struggle out of the gate. Todd Frazier, as well as Melky Cabrera, will become free agents after the 2017 season. If the White Sox fear neither will re-sign with the team, or they have no interest in re-signing themselves, a potential trade is very much a possibility.
All in all, the White Sox just don’t have the talent to compete in this division. With a depleted pitching staff, as a well as a underproducing offense, White Sox fans are in for a tough season of baseball.