White Sox Biggest Needs Before The Trade Deadline

The White Sox have somehow managed to stay within striking distance of the AL Central. Even after blowing two games against the Marlins, they only sit 4.5 games out of first place. With just under 100 games to go, they can still pull off a division championship. If they want to do that, they will need to improve in some positions that have been lacking this year…

Second Base

It seems like the White Sox will never be able to address this position. They have had what seems like a revolving door at second base since Gordon Beckham, which is over 10 years now. The problem is, I’m not confident Rick Hahn can upgrade this position if his life depended on it.

The slash lines for the two main second basemen on the roster have been abysmal. Besides that one stretch from Romy Gonzalez, he has not been good. Elvis Andrus has not been much better.

Romy has slashed .194/.208/.376 with three home runs and 10 RBIs.

While Elvis has slashed .197/.272/.243 with one homer and 13 RBIs.

These are horrible numbers and the White Sox may need to consider moving Yoan Moncada back to second base to get Burger everyday at-bats. Before people come at me, at this point, Moncada’s bat does not play at third base and his hitting would profile much better at second base. I’m confident he can be a very good defensive second basemen and would solve second base for the time being.

Regardless, if the White Sox want to win, they need to address second base immediately.

Right Field

Again, just like second base, right field has been a perennial problem for the White Sox. No matter who they put out there, it never seems to work. The last great player the Sox had in right was Avi Garcia for one season, but then it went all the way back to Jermaine Dye. Another position Rick Hahn has refused to try and fix.

Eloy is constantly hurt and profiles much better at DH, as he is very fragile. Gavin Sheets has not proven he can consistently hit lefties, and Clint Frazier has played very well, but most likely is not much more than a platoon player at this point in his career.

If the White Sox can find a player who is an actual outfielder that can play right field every single day regardless of matchup, they would be significantly better. Now, it is unlikely they do that, as they seem to think Eloy can play out there. Considering his injury history, they need to invest in something else, as he cannot be counted on to play more than 95 games.

In an ideal world, Oscar Colas comes back up and plays like the top prospect he is, but at this point, I’m not sure that happens this year.

Starting Pitcher

With Lance Lynn pitching his way off this team, the White Sox will need to get a starting pitcher or two if they want to compete. Lynn has not given the Sox a chance to win, and if they are serious about winning, they will cut their ties shortly.

Since they don’t have any prospects or depth, they will need to acquire one somehow. But, if the White Sox are not going to resign Lucas Giolito, they will need to get one to replace him as well.

Regardless if they are still competing, if the reports of them not interested in resigning him are true, they need to trade him so they can at least get something back for him.

The same could be said for Mike Clevinger, as he will not likely be on the team next year, so if you can get something for him, you do that as well.

Perhaps there is a team that is a couple of pitchers away from competing and would give up a decent prospect for both Gio and Clev. That may be an optimistic take, but regardless, they need to upgrade Lynn’s spot at least.