9. Chicago White Sox youth influx begins
Normally, we think about non-contending teams bringing up young players. While the White Sox do have a losing record, they’re still well within the American League Central race.
But Chicago wouldn’t be bringing up its young players just to help them get their feet wet for 2018 and beyond. That’s a benefit, but the team’s young nucleus can help them win in 2017, as well.
It starts with second baseman Yoan Moncada, baseball’s top ranked prospect. Moncada is slashing at .320/.400/.497 and plays a position that his given the White Sox minimal offensive production.
Lucas Giolito has had some rough patches in 2017. But he’s shown Triple-A hitters just how dominant he can be.
Lucas Giolito tosses a NO-HITTER! pic.twitter.com/8XizNAgkvC
— Charlotte Knights (@KnightsBaseball) May 25, 2017
Going down to Double-A, Michael Kopech has a 2.66 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 65 strikeouts in 47.1 innings. Chicago’s starters rank 16th in baseball in ERA. Can he and Giolito help that? It’s certainly worth the risk.
Starting in June, we expect the White Sox and their fans to get a glimpse of the future. It should be a good thing for Chicago’s present, as well.