Recapping The 2019 Chicago White Sox

Year 3 of the White Sox rebuild was arguably going to be the most important. After dismal seasons from Lucas Giolito, Yoan Moncada, and Tim Anderson, fans were skeptical at best heading into 2019, and downright pissed off at worst. If didn’t help that the front office brought in next to nobody after essentially promising that the money would be spent.

Well, 2019 turned out to be one of the most fun White Sox seasons in recent memory. Yoan Moncada proved he could be the best player on a championship team, Lucas Giolito turned into a bonafide ace, Tim Anderson won the batting title, and Eloy Jimenez looks every bit as dangerous a hitter as so many scouts predicted. So let’s take a closer look at 2019 and what it means for 2020.

The Lineup

2019 proved that the White Sox have 4 positions locked down for 2020 and beyond: Eloy in LF, Moncada at 3B, Anderson at SS, and Abreu at 1B/DH (yes they’ll re-sign him). This “core 4” combined to slash .353/.400/.612 in the month of September. Add in Luis Robert and Nick Madrigal, and now you’re looking at 6 locks in the lineup. Throw in a free agent like J.D. Martinez (pending an opt out), and you have 7 locks. In short, the lineup in 2020 will be much deeper and much more dangerous than this year and years past.

The Rotation

The biggest surprise this season has to be Lucas Giolito’s absurd turnaround. He went from being statistically the worst pitcher in baseball last year to the unquestioned ace of the staff. What he did in 2019 is truly remarkable. Steve Stone has gone on record numerous times during White Sox broadcasts and said that it is one of, if not the greatest turnaround for a pitcher in the history of baseball. Giolito will get his share of Cy Young votes and could definitely win the award in a few years.

After that though, things were pretty rough for the rotation as a whole. Reynaldo Lopez took a few big steps backwards, Dylan Cease was for the most part bad, and way too many 4A pitchers started for the White Sox in 2019. Ivan Nova actually held his own and did exactly what was needed of him, which was to eat innings and record outs for a young staff.

This off-season will focus heavily on buying or trading for starting pitching. Gerrit Cole is a pipe dream at this point and fans shouldn’t expect him to sign on the South Side. There are other options out there though. Madison Bumgarner would be a very solid addition. Jake Odorizzi could be another option, as well as Zack Wheeler or Cole Hamels. Furthermore, Michael Kopech will make his much anticipated return to action after missing all of 2019 due to rehabbing from Tommy John surgery. Carlos Rodon will be back sometime after the All-Star break. Don’t be surprised if the White Sox bring in 2 starters to force some competition within the clubhouse. At this point, the only pitcher I feel totally comfortable with heading into 2020 is Lucas Giolito.

The Bullpen

The White Sox bullpen was actually a big factor towards their success. Alex Colome was nails as the closer, and he will probably take up that role again next year. Aaron Bummer was absolutely lights out, as was Evan Marshall. Those three are probably locks for the Chicago bullpen in ’20. If the team is contending next year up to the trade deadline, I could see the front office making a more to bring in another relief arm or 2. You can never have too much pitching.

Coaching

From what Rick Hahn has said, it sounds like not everyone from the coaching staff will return to the South Side next spring. Rick Renteria will be back as manager though, and I can’t see the team parting with Don Cooper. A new hitting coach would make sense though, as Todd Steverson hasn’t done anything notable in all his time here. But Renteria probably has job security at least for 1 more year. If the team bombs next year after another injection of talent, his days will certainly be numbered.

Wrap Up

The 2019 White Sox gave fans a LOT to be happy about.