MLB Notebook: Chicago White Sox Preview

Remember when the White Sox brought home 93 wins and an AL Central title as one last hurrah for the great Tony LaRussa? That was only four years ago, in 2021. But there have been a lot of losses in between, including a record-setting 121 defeats in 2024. Will Venable is the new manager on the South Side as the big rebuilding project begins.

Here’s our overview of the White Sox:

Power

If Luis Roberts can stay healthy, that’s a boost right there. Even playing just 100 games, he hit 31 homers last year. Of course, if he stays healthy, there’s a good chance he’s in another uniform by August. First baseman Andrew Vaughn hit 19 homers, but his .417 slugging percentage is mediocre for hitting that many dingers. It suggests a boom-or-bust approach. Andrew Benintendi used to have doubles power in Boston—although given the career decline the leftfielder has experienced since leaving Fenway, that might have just been a case of a left-handed hitter using the Green Monster to his benefit.

If Chicago is going to have any real punch beyond Roberts, they need catcher Korey Lee, who hit 12 bombs in 125 games, to step up even more. The White Sox have also taken a flyer on a veteran retread in Joey Gallo and a never-fulfilled-his-promise Bobby Dalbec. Both can hit the long ball on their better days.

Getting On Base

Mike Tauchman made the drive down from the North Side and is slotted in rightfield. Tauchman has posted a .362 on-base percentage over the last three seasons. Benintendi, with a .264 composite batting average over the past three years, could contribute here. Maybe second baseman Josh Rojas, who had a .349 OBP for Arizona…in 2022. The veteran retread here is Michael Taylor, who had his best years in Washington.

Starting Pitching

Martin Perez has been brought in to provide some veteran stability. Jonathan Cannon posted a 4.49 ERA in 21 starts last year as a rookie. Sean Burke made three starts and pitched really well, with a 1.42 ERA. Both Cannon and Burke would have to be good making 30-plus starts for Chicago to have a competitive rotation.

Bullpen

The White Sox are looking at Justin Anderson and Prelander Berroa for the closer’s role. There’s nothing good or bad to say about either one. The White Sox picked up Cameron Booser, who was pretty good in Boston last season. They also added Penn Murfree, who had two good years with Seattle before missing 2024.

Outlook

Chicago has a win total number of 54.5. Even the betting markets, cautious by nature, are using 108 losses as the benchmark. I see no reason to dispute that.