The future of the White Sox is looking pretty solid so far. They have revamped their entire farm system from just two trades, with more expected throughout the course of the 2017 season. Right now, the focus around the league is on top international prospect Luis Robert, a player who has often been linked to the White Sox. The rebuild is still much closer to the beginning than the end, and the final piece(s) are most likely going to be added via free agency in 2018-2019. The free agent class that year is absolutely loaded with both bats and arms. By then the Sox should be far enough into the rebuild to be able to isolate one or two last weaknesses and go all in during the free agency period to address them.
The biggest thing to remember is that the White Sox will have an incredibly low payroll going into the 2019 season. Before Tim Anderson signed his extension, the White Sox had just $4.25MM committed to the 2019 payroll. That is not a typo. Now it sits at roughly $5.7MM. With the majority of the team most likely still being on cheap entry level contracts in 2019, the White Sox are going to have more than enough wiggle room to work with.
Rick Hahn has already said that he does not mind going over the international spending pool limit to sign players overseas (Luis Robert cough cough), and he is on record saying that the 2018-19 free agent class should be the final piece to the rebuild.
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Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]
"The 2018 and 2019 free-agent classes are stacked. A number of players will command nine-figure contracts. There’s nothing magical about the $68-million threshold. And we know spending is the final piece of all this. When we get there, we expect the resources to be there." -Rick Hahn on 2018-2019 free agencyWith all that being said, here are the top 5 free agents the White Sox should be pursuing towards the end of the rebuild.
5) Jose Bautista
This would all depend on how Bautista looks the next two years. Entering the 2019 season, he will be 38 years old and could start to slow down in the outfield. That being said, if Chicago were to sign him as a DH, he could focus solely on hitting, giving them a lethal option. Plugging him in the lineup a spot ahead of Abreu would offer him much needed protection in the lineup. If Zach Collins can stay behind the plate; Abreu can remain at first, leaving the DH spot wide open for Jose Bautista.
4) Yasmany Tomas
Yasmany Tomas could be classified as a poor man's Jose Abreu. He would bring another power bat to the lineup, will have more MLB experience, and most importantly, will be on the right side of 30 at just 28 years old. Last season was Tomas' second in the MLB, and it was also his best as he slashed .272/.313/.508. He also belted 31 dingers, had 30 doubles, and drove in 83. For comparison, last year Jose Abreu has a slash line of .293/.353/.468 and had 25 home runs, 30 doubles, and 100 RBI's. Tomas would give the White Sox a power-hitting left fielder in the prime of his career. The Cuban connection of Jose Abreu and Yoan Moncada could also catch Tomas' eye if he chooses to leave Arizona. [caption id="attachment_85464" align="alignnone" width="640"] USA TODAY Sports[/caption]
3) Josh Donaldson
Third base will most likely be a bigger position of need than outfield once 2019 rolls around, and Josh Donaldson is one of the best third basemen in the game. Alas, in 2019 he will be 33 years old and might start to lose a step. However, the former A.L. MVP can never be counted out. He gives the Blue Jays a lethal bat and exceptional defense. With Todd Frazier more than likely being on his way out, third base will be a key need for the White Sox unless a trade is made that addresses the issue. An infield of Donaldson, Anderson, Moncada, and Abreu could end up being one of the MLB's best. If his next two years are similar to what he has done in the past, don't be surprised to see the White Sox make him a very enticing offer down the road.
2) Clayton Kershaw
There are a couple reasons why Kershaw is not no. 1 on this list. The first being is that the need for starting pitching (hopefully) should be a non-issue. Carlos Rodon, Lucas Giolito, and Reynaldo Lopez will all be in the starting rotation, with Michael Kopech more than likely knocking on the door. There is also the possibility of Chicago obtaining another young stud pitcher such as Francis Martes in a deal centered around Jose Quintana. That being said, when a once-in-a-generation talent like Kershaw hits the open market, you don't just sit there and do nothing. The White Sox are already set to have one of the leagues best rotations in the upcoming years. Adding Kershaw to that mix? Game over for the rest of the MLB. If you were wondering, Kershaw will be 31 at the start of the 2019 MLB season. With the amount of innings he has racked up the past few seasons, it is possible he could lose some velocity in the future. Even if he does, his pure stuff should be good enough to keep him classified as one of the best pitchers in the league. The Dodgers window to win is open, but might start to close soon. If they cannot bring a title to L.A within these next two seasons, Kershaw might decide to bounce. What better place to go than a young White Sox team that should be ready to win and that can offer him a huge paycheck? [caption id="attachment_85466" align="alignnone" width="740"] Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]
