After their victory Sunday, the Chicago White Sox are currently 8-21 the third-worst record in the MLB despite having the 12th-highest payroll at just over $183M
With an offense that has trouble scoring runs, ranking in the bottom 10 of the MLB in nearly all hitting statistics and a pitching staff that is second worst in the MLB only better than a team off to a historically bad start in the Oakland A’s.
New manager Pedro Grifol has his hands full with the task of turning things around in Chicago and it’s not looking like it will be an easy accomplishment.
Plagued by numerous bad contracts already on the team including relief pitchers Kendall Graveman, Joe Kelly and starting pitcher Lance Lynn. The White Sox made a few mind-boggling decisions that have already proven to be mediocre at best including giving outfielder Andrew Benintendi a 5-year, $75M contract.
Although a tough decision to let one of the more popular players in franchise history walk this past offseason, not re-signing Jose Abreu might be one of the only things they have gotten right in the past few offseasons.
Currently hitting .239 with no home runs and only 11 RBI in 2023, Abreu left Chicago to sign a three-year, $58.5M deal with the Houston Astros and has been one of the worst players in the league.
With so many individuals to blame for the mess on the southside, it might be time to have a complete fire sale and rebuild through the minor leagues. With elite talents like Luis Robert Jr. and Dylan Cease the White Sox should be able to get a good haul of prospects for either one, which would jumpstart the rebuild.
On the bench Sunday after being taken out of the game Saturday, Robert Jr. has had his effort questioned a few times this season.
Supposed to be a franchise cornerstone and one of the most talented players in the MLB, Robert Jr. would bring back a big return but with his attitude organizations might shy away from wanting to ship top prospects away for him.
