ChiSoxSchins’ Offseason Plan
PREAMBLE
After finally ending the franchise’s 12 year playoff drought, the White Sox find themselves in arguably the best position of any American League team heading into 2021. They have a dynamic young core, money to spend, and a few clear holes to fill that will ultimately make what feels like the next American League superpower for the foreseeable future. I expect the White Sox to zig when all the other teams Zag this offseason and be one of the few teams that are aggressive and willing to expand payrolls this winter and my plan reflects that.
ARBITRATION-ELIGIBLE PLAYERS
Write “tender,” “non-tender” or “rework/extend” after each player and their projected 2020 salaries, arranged by the three calculation methods described by MLB Trade Rumors. Feel free to offer explanation afterward if necessary.
- Nomar Mazara:$5.6M | $5.9M | $5.7M—Non-Tender
- Carlos Rodón:$4.5M | $4.5M | $4.5M—Non-Tender
- Lucas Giolito:$2.5M | $5.3M | $2.5M–Tender
- Reynaldo López: $1.7M | $2.2M | $1.7M–Tender
- Evan Marshall:$1.3M | $1.9M | $1.4M—Extend. 2 years for $4.5 million with a club option
- Adam Engel:$1M | $1.4M | $1M–Tender
- Jace Fry:$800K | $1M | $800K—Tender
- Yolmer Sánchez:Uncertain—Non-Tender—MiLB Deal w/ Invite to Spring Training
CLUB OPTIONS
Write “pick up” or “decline” or “rework” after the option.
- Edwin Encarnación:$12M–Decline
- Gio González:$7M ($500K buyout)–Buyout
- Leury García:$3.5M ($250K buyout)—Pick Up
OTHER IMPENDING FREE AGENTS
Try to retain, or let go?
- Alex Colomé (Made $10,532,500 in 2020)—Let Go
- James McCann(Made $5.4M in 2020)—Sadly, Let Go
- Jarrod Dyson(Made $2M in 2020)—Let go
COACHING STAFF
Here’s a first: Pick your manager and pitching coach, with any elaboration.
- Manager: Joe Espada
- Pitching coach: Ethan Katz- the man that helped Giolito become Giolito. Assistant pitching coach with SF gets his shot here with our Sox. It was really tough to research pitching candidates, but I like Katz for this role. Matt Zaleski takes this spot if Katz is unavailable.
FREE AGENTS
No. 1: Marcus Stroman—4 years, $85 million w/ a vesting option for a fifth upon 180 innings pitched in ¾ years for $18.5 million
No. 2: Michael Brantley—2 years, $26 million
No. 3: Blake Treinen—2 years, $16 million
No. 4 Matt Wieters—1 year, $2.5 million
TRADES
No. 1: Trade Nick Madrigal, Reynaldo Lopez, Bernardo Flores Jr. and Yermin Mercedes to the Rangers for Lance Lynn and Joey Gallo
No. 2: Trade Micker Adolfo to the Rays for Joey Wendle.
SUMMARY
26-Man Roster:
C: Yasmani Grandal $18.25 million
1B: Jose Abreu $16 million
2B: Joey Wendle $1.6 million (Arb 2)
3B: Yoan Moncada $6 million
SS: Tim Anderson $7.25 million
LF: Michael Brantley $13 million
CF: Luis Robert $3.5 million
RF: Joey Gallo $5.75 million (Arb 2)
DH: Eloy Jimenez $3.5 million
Bench: Adam Engel ($1 million), Matt Wieters($2.5 million), Danny Mendick($563k), Leury Garcia($3.5 million)
Rotation: Lucas Giolito($5.3 million), Marcus Stroman($21.25 million), Dallas Keuchel($18 million), Lance Lynn($8 million), Dane Dunning($563k)
BP:
Righties: Blake Treinen($8 million), Jimmy Cordero($574k), Evan Marshall($2.25 million), Matt Foster($563k), Codi Heuer($563k)
Lefties: Aaron Bummer($2 million), Jace Fry($800k), Garrett Crochet($563k)
This roster just needs rounding out. Smaller moves like Treinen, Wendle, and Wieters who have all had long careers and numerous postseason appearances can make the difference on this team. I don’t see many holes on this roster except maybe the lack of a bench bat that can provide power late in games, but I see that as attainable at the deadline if needed. Total payroll according to the numbers above comes to $150.84 million. I think that payroll number is acceptable and capable of giving this team a fair chance at a long postseason run and the depth to give us a Central championship.
Ok. I’m getting tired of all the people who want to trade for Joey Gallo. This clown is a .200 hitter. Does anyone remember Adam Dunn? As I read these suggestions, I am happy that Rick Hahn dislikes blogs and social media
Joey Wendle’s a cool idea, even though its hard to trust a guy who doesn’t wear batting gloves. Watch Adolfo end up being a one-punch version of Arozarena for the Rays. I think you’re light on the Gallo/Lynn package, but that’s a two birds/one stone target.