Chicago White Sox

Off-season Overview:

The White Sox had, to say the least, and interesting off-season. For a team that should be in win-now mode, the White Sox didn't do much to help themselves out this off-season. The South-Sider's lost long time 1B Jose Abreu, OF AJ Pollock, SS Elvis Andrus, 2B Josh Harrison, and pitchers Johnny Cueto and Vince Velazquez. The White Sox happened to only add one notable offensive player, OF Andrew Benentendi. They brought in SP Mike Clevinger but his status is up in the air pending a domestic violence charge. Despite a lackluster and disappointing off-season, the White Sox are still ready to compete. The starting rotation gives Chicago a chance to win every day with Dylan Cease, Lance Lynn, Lucas Giolito, Michael Kopech, and Clevinger (again, pending his DV issue). Offensively, the addition of Andrew "Benny" Benentendi does not replace all that was lost but he is a consistent left-handed bat with burgeoning power that can make an immediate impact in this explosive offense. I expect the White Sox to compete with Minnesota and and Cleveland to make a playoff push this year!

Ceiling:

A division title and a World Series victory. Offensively, the White Sox have some of the most exciting guys to watch in all of baseball. Tim Anderson, Luis Robert, and Eloy Jimenez carry more passion for the game than any combination of players who are just as dangerous in the batter box. Baseballs should be flying out of Guaranteed Rate at rate unseen in baseball. Chicago has the arms and the offense to win, they just need the confidence and someone to put all the pieces together.

Floor:

A 4th place finish in the AL Central. As high as the White Sox could finish, they also have one of the lowest floors. If Robert and Jimenez can't stay healthy, and Giolito continues to slip, they could be a 90 loss team. With a team this potent, any obvious signs of underperformance will make Guaranteed Rate Field a hostile environment.

My Prediction:

A 3rd place finish in the AL Central. Overall, I believe the White Sox will have a very similar year to their 2022 season and play .500 baseball. Injuries and offensive slumps are inevitable for this team and as good as ace Dylan Cease was on the mound last season, he still walks too many batters and a repeat of his 2022 success is unlikely. Bottom line is, yes, I think the White Sox underperform again. A .500 record and consistent mediocrity will be the theme in Chicago.

-- Cyrus Beermann