The Chicago White Sox are projected to be the 27th best team entering the MLB season according to Talkin’ Baseball. That may be generous for a team that has shipped out several of their top players, lost 101 games in 2023, and is set to feature a first-year GM in Chris Getz.
The White Sox finished fourth in their division last season and scored the second fewest runs in the American League behind only the Oakland Athletics. There are several issues that need to be addressed before this team can be considered serious contenders in the AL.
During a recent episode of the Talkin’ Baseball podcast, Jomboy, Jake Storiale and Trevor Plouffe broke down the White Sox’s chances as we approach the 2024 season.
“A, the culture around this franchise. B, the concept of they’re clearly not going for it,” said Jake.
There's just not much belief in the White Sox anymore pic.twitter.com/ZkhziaeNHT
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) February 18, 2024
After a poor start to the 2023 season, Chicago fired long-serving executives Ken Williams and Rick Hahm. The team traded star talent like Lucas Giolito, Reynaldo Lopez, Lance Lynn and Keynan Middleton prior to the trade deadline. Veteran infielder Tim Anderson is a free agent and will most likely move on this offseason.
“I just can’t do it again. I’ve been believing in this White Sox team since 2021. It just hasn’t worked out,” added Pluoffe.
The Sox will require a massive contribution from their young prospects if they hope to have any chance of competing for the division this year.
It is not all doom and gloom for the South Siders. Both Storiale and Plouffe believe the club will finish above the 63.5 wins many sportsbooks have projected for the club.
