The 2017 Chicago White Sox will likely finish fourth in the AL Central. While they have the talent to beat the Twins, the Royals, Tigers and Indians should all finish above them. If/when the team moves Jose Quintana, David Robertson, Todd Frazier and others, perhaps they could sink to the bottom of the division.
Even though the team may not be playing for much in 2017, it doesn’t mean that players won’t have to earn their roles in Spring Training. Many positions are up for grabs going into the Spring, how each player performs will determine who earns them.
Most battles will contain a veteran and a young player. With the team in the middle of rebuild, they likely want to see how their young stars perform. However if a veteran comes to camp and proves he still has some gas left in the tank, he could earn the starting role.
The 2017 White Sox season should be focused on acquiring and developing top prospects. Some of those prospects may get their chance to prove themselves right out of the gate. But to get that shot, they’re going to have to earn it in Spring Training.
