The White Sox probably were a year ahead of schedule in making the postseason in 2020, but it still stings to get knocked out after three games, much less losing the first winner-take-all game in franchise history, a 6-4 loss to the A's on Thursday.
Bradford Doolittle takes a look at where the White Sox stand and answers three key questions for the club moving forward to 2021 and beyond.
Chicago White Sox
Notable free agents: Alex Colome, James McCann, Edwin Encarnacion (club option with $2 million buyout), Leury Garcia
Trade candidates: Nomar Mazara, Reynaldo Lopez
Extension candidates: Lucas Giolito, Nick Madrigal
1. How do the White Sox balance their lineup?
Signing Edwin Encarnacion as a stopgap DH wasn't the worst idea, but the 38-year-old's skill set has diminished to an occasional, not-often-enough long ball. Now the White Sox can graduate first-base prospect Andrew Vaughn to the majors to upgrade the first base-DH rotation in which Encarnacion paired with the great Jose Abreu in 2020. Vaughn will offer more contact than Encarnacion, which helps, and the same kind of power potential.
After that, Rick Hahn needs to find an athletic, well-rounded right fielder to replace Nomar Mazara. Depending on the White Sox's budget, a stylistic fit that seems ideal is soon-to-be Astros free agent George Springer. Another possibility is former White Sox outfielder Adam Eaton, should his club option in Washington not be picked up. With the right tweaks, the White Sox could enter the 2021 season with baseball's best on-paper everyday lineup.
2. What kind of starter do they need to add?
Chicago is set with a top two of Lucas Giolito and Dallas Keuchel. Dylan Cease hasn't been as consistent as you'd like but he's a lock for the 2021 rotation. Michael Kopech will be back after opting out in 2020 because of COVID-19 concerns. Dane Dunning showed potential as a plus midrotation starter. Carlos Rodon and Reynaldo Lopez are still around, unless one of them gets traded.
Given the depth of options, you wouldn't think the White Sox need to play in the top of the free-agent market for starters, where Trevor Bauer looks like the big prize. Still, another veteran from the next couple of tiers would be worth targeting to provide the kind of stability Chicago hoped to get from Gio Gonzalez in 2020. You could see Chicago taking a run at such a hurler, like Mike Minor, Kevin Gausman, or even old friend Jose Quintana.
3. Should they shell out for a top closer?
Alex Colome seemed like the classic decent but unnecessary closer on a rebuilding team for the first part of his time with the White Sox, the type who quickly becomes trade fodder. Lo and behold, Colome was still around to close after Chicago turned into a contender. Now he's hitting free agency, so what's next? For all the uncertainty attached to this area, the right move in the bullpen can be the finishing piece for a championship seeker.
The White Sox have done a good job of finding and developing high-powered arms and might not be in the mood to overcommit to any kind of a short reliever. There are some good ones who could be in the market, a group ranging from Liam Hendriks to Brad Hand to Blake Treinen. For Chicago, trying to re-up with Colome might be the best bet. There always is the trade market, where Josh Hader's name will keep coming up until the Brewers either deal him or sign him to an extension.