2018
CF: Charlie Tilson
SS: Tim Anderson
2B: Yoan Moncada
1B: Jose Abreu
DH: Danny Valencia
3B: Matt Davidson
RF: Willy Garcia
C: Rene Rivera
LF: Adam Engel
The 2018 season will likely be another rebuilding year for the White Sox. Yet, the team still sees multiple changes that’ll help them grow towards the future.
Todd Frazier, Melky Cabrera, Avisail Garcia and Brett Lawrie will all see their contracts run out. The White Sox are better off letting them walk, giving younger players a chance at the MLB level.
The biggest change from 2017 to 2018 is the arrival of Yoan Moncada. The White Sox top prospect is almost guaranteed to get called up during the 2017 season as he is on the cusp of the MLB. Chicago will likely wait until Moncada’s Super Two status kicks in, giving the team an extra year of control. Moncada is the team’s second baseman of the future and barring a major injury, will be a major part of the franchise for years to come.
Chicago does make two major signings in 2018 adding catcher Rene Rivera and third baseman/outfielder Danny Valencia.
Top prospect Zack Collins is still probably about a year or so away from being ready for the big leagues. The White Sox would be smart to add a veteran catcher to help mentor their young pitching staff.
You may be wondering why Rivera? Geovany Soto is a veteran, why is Rivera a better catching option for the White Sox?
Rivera is one of the premier pitch framers in the MLB. In 2016 he ranked as the 13th best pitching framing catcher, highest for any 2018 free agent catcher. Assuming he continues with that success, he is the perfect catcher to help lead a rotation that could feature the likes of Michael Kopech, Lucas Giolito and others.
Valencia has succeeded in the past, hitting atleast 17 home runs the past two seasons. While he is slated to play DH, he has experience at third base/outfield. This 2018 lineup is filled with prospects. If any of them struggle, Valencia could slide right in flawlessly. Valencia gives the White Sox an extremely talented insurance policy.
Outside of those three, the White Sox see three more newcomers to the 2018 Opening Day lineup. Matt Davidson, Willy Garcia and Jacob May will all force their way into the lineup after a strong Spring Training.
Davidson is the ideal in-house replacement for Frazier. After dealing with an injury all of last season, 2017 will give Davidson a chance to prove he belongs on an MLB roster.
Garcia was claimed from the Pirates earlier this offseason in a move that flew under the radar. However Garcia has legit potential and was ranked as the Pirates 12th best prospect in 2015 by MLB Pipeline. Garcia has spent 720 games in the minor leagues, hitting .257 with 79 home runs, 367 RBIs and 55 stolen bases. The 2018 season will allow for Garcia to prove he is a legit prospect and could play at the MLB level.
The 2018 left field position will come down to prospects Adam Engel and Jacob May. In the end, Engel’s star will shine a bit brighter, earning him the Opening Day nod. Engel has had a successful minor league career, hitting .264 with 24 home runs, 157 RBIs and 179 stolen bases. Unfortunately for him, the White Sox farm system is filled by outfielders with upside. The 2018 season will give him a chance to prove he’s not just another guy.
Like the 2017 season, 2018 won’t give fans any playoff expectations. It does however allow for the White Sox front office and fans to get a glimpse of some of the team’s fringe prospects. Guys like Davidson, Garcia and Engel will finally get their shot on the big stage, how they handle it is up to them.
If nothing else, watching Yoan Moncada’s full season debut on the South Side should give fans big hopes for the team’s future.
