To say the last calendar year has been bad for the White Sox would be an understatement. Dating back to April 2022, the White Sox entered the final week of spring training knowing they would be without Garrett Crochet, who needed Tommy John surgery, Lance Lynn missing several weeks with a knee injury, and somehow things got even worse during the 2022 season.
A plethora of injuries, underachieving performances up and down the roster, and poor managing ultimately led to an 81-81 finish in 2022, as the White Sox ended up in second place, 11 games behind the Cleveland Guardians in the American League Central. Now, a few weeks away from the start of spring training 2023, the White Sox are getting roasted for their lackluster offseason.
A team that had several players underperform and suffer numerous injuries in the past two seasons also lost its most beloved player and team leader in Jose Abreu. How did the team replace his bat and clubhouse presence? Well, left fielder Andrew Benintendi did sign the largest free agent contract in White Sox history, inking a five-year, $75 million deal, but Rick Hahn's only other major acquisition this offseason was pitcher Mike Clevinger.
There were skeptics the moment Clevinger signed and it had nothing to do with any off the field issues. But now that signing looks a lot worse as MLB continues to investigate domestic violence allegations against the right-handed pitcher. Two signings for the White Sox and right now they can really only count on one to be on the team once Opening Day arrives.
The Athletic's James Fegan gave the White Sox an F for their work this offseason. We discussed that on this week's Pinwheels And Ivy Podcast.
The White Sox are set to begin the 2023 season with an unproven answer at second base and Oscar Colas, who is getting mixed reviews among minor league analysts, as the primary option in right field. There's also a question in the starting rotation with Clevinger's ongoing investigation and on top of all that, the team will begin the season without their all-star closer, as Liam Hendriks continues his treatment for Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
A year ago, the White Sox were among the teams favored to win the World Series. Heading into 2023, oddsmakers have set the White Sox win total in the mid-80s.
2023 White Sox Win Total
Here's a look at the 2023 White Sox win total from six different sports books and the odds if you think they'll go over. If you're confident the White Sox can bounce back in 2023, then you'll get the best value betting on FanDuel.
FanDuel: 83.5 (-110)
Caesars: 84.5 (-110)
BetMGM: 84.5 (-110)
DraftKings: 83.5 (-115)
BetRivers: 85.5 (-114)
Barstool: 85.5 (-114)
As of Feb. 2, 2023*
Just one man's opinion, but I just don't see the White Sox having all the terrible injury luck again in 2023. And I know, they had injuries in 2021 as well, so it's not like last year was a fluke, but think about everything that went wrong with the White Sox in 2022, and the team still finished with a .500 record. There is so much talent on this roster and even if a few guys don't live up to their full potential, all they have to do is not be atrocious like last season and there should be an automatic improvement.
2023 White Sox Division Odds
The White Sox were big favorites to win the AL Central in 2022, but now the sports books have them and the Guardians with similar odds to win the division crown this year. If you do think the White Sox can get back to the top of their division, then bet them at DraftKings for the best value.
Barstool: +145
BetRivers: +145
PointsBet: +145
FanDuel: +160
Caesars: +160
BetMGM: +160
DraftKings: +185
As of Feb. 2, 2023*
So, how much confidence do you have in the White Sox heading into 2023 and if you do bet on them, which way are you going?
A few more things, check out the Pinwheels And Ivy Podcast merch store. We appreciate the support. Link below.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/PinwheelsIvyPodcast
And a reminder that if the Pinwheels And Ivy Podcast gets to 1,000 subscribers on YouTube by Opening Day, then we'll be giving away two tickets to a White Sox game, located behind their dugout.
SUBSCRIBE
Comments
Join the discussion below. Keep it civil and focused on the content.
Loading comments...