It has been a cultural-changing offseason for the Chicago White Sox as they have signed multiple premium free agents. The signings of catcher Yasmani Grandal, pitcher Dallas Keuchel, and designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion have change the team’s outlook for he 2020 season. With all their major need filled, Chicago needs to now sure up a bullpen that can make or break a playoff push.
The backend of the White Sox bullpen is set with Aaron Bummer, Kelvin Herrera, and Alex Colome. Although it is set, Chicago still needs to have insurance in case any of the three falter as there are question marks around the three.
Bummer’s emergence in 2019 was unexpected as he posted a 2.18 ERA in 58 appearances. He could be subject to regression or possibly the league figuring him out after an offseason in 2020. Colome was one of the league’s best closers in the first half of the season last year, but he struggled down the stretch of the second half as he allowed runs in six of 11 appearances in September. Herrera was plagued with injuries for the majority of 2019 and never lived up to his full potential.
The rest of the 2019 bullpen was not great as only Evan Marshall was the only reliever to pitch more than 50 innings and have an ERA below four. There are a few former Cubs relievers who have had prior success not only in the regular season but the postseason also.
Hector Rondon and Steve Cishek are both currently free-agents and would help solidify the White Sox bullpen. Rodon has experience as a closer as he has saved 15 games or more in four of his seven seasons in the majors. He would be a perfect backup solution to the bullpen if Colome or Herrera struggle in the closer’s role in 2020. Rondon has also pitched in the post-season each of the last five seasons.
Cishek would provide the White Sox suitable short-term middle relief. He could bridge the game from a starter to the back end of the bullpen. Cishek was over-used with the Cubs as they had relief issues during the last two seasons. He appeared in over 60 games each of the last two seasons as he was one of the few reliable relievers the Cubs had. If the White Sox were to sign him, they could help cut back on his innings by utilizing him in a shorter role.
If the White Sox wish to compete in 2020, it’s imperative they have a dominant bullpen. Bullpens can either make or break a team’s playoff push or post-season run. The 2000 and 2005 White Sox playoff teams had shutdown bullpens that made sure no game was lost from the seventh inning on. General manager Rick Hahn has done everything right this off-season to improve the team, but needs to end it now by making sure the bullpen is set.
