Former MLB GM's predictions confirms White Sox are still going to be thorn in Guardians side

Although the Guardians pitching staff ran out of gas at the end of their postseason run, the 2026 season was a seven-month spectacle into how their pitching staff was better than almost everyone else's; especially in their intradivision game. 

While the Guardians didn’t win every one of those games (you have to score runs to win), they started almost every American League Central game with a chance to win thanks to their edge on the mound. 

That may not be the case next season, however. Earlier today The Athletic’s Jim Bowden published his offseason predictions, which provided a good look at what could be on the horizon for this year’s offseason. 

And not only did Bowden have pitchers in his top two spots (Tarik Skubal and Freddy Peralta), but he also had the White Sox listed as one of the “best team fits” for both of them. Yikes

Tarik Skubal and Freddy Peralta were both floated as "best fits" for the White Sox

To be clear, Bowden saying the White Sox is a good fit for both of them isn’t breaking news. Everyone with two eyes and the ability to filter a FanGraphs leaderboard knows the White Sox rotation stunk last year (4.60 staff ERA). Connecting them to the two pitchers who are the best at what they do isn’t exactly groundbreaking. But it does show that the White Sox have a great chance to upgrade their rotation in an otherwise weak free agent market. 

Starting pitchers comprise 13 of the 40 spots in Bowden’s list, ranging from the duo at the top to Japanese starter Hiromi Itoh. If you’re looking to upgrade your rotation, this is the offseason to do so. 

And White Sox general manager Chris Getz already said the White Sox are planning on pursuing starting pitching in the offseason. They thought they had figured out their pitching problems at the deadline when they acquired Luis Castillo and his $22.75 million contract for 2027, but he posted an 8.42 ERA in 31 innings with Chicago before going on the injured list. 

Chicago has a great starting block with Sean Burke and Davis Martin, but they still need another veteran in the room. 

Skubal going to Chicago would be a huge free agent win for the White Sox, but he’s also seeking the largest contract ever for a pitcher. The White Sox may have surprised all of baseball last winter when they signed Munetaka Murakami, but signing Skubal would be in a completely different category. 

Peralta is a clear No. 2, but he built his value back up with a great second half with the Rays that included a fantastic showing against the Guardians in the ALCS. 

The Guardians got the last laugh on the White Sox when they beat them in the American League Division Series, but it looks like Chicago isn’t going to be content with sitting on its hands this offseason.

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