2024 MLB Season Outlook: Chicago White Sox Preview, Predictions, and Expectations

The Chicago White Sox are entering the 2024 season after finishing near the bottom of the AL Central in 2023. While there’s potential for a slight improvement, the team may still struggle to avoid falling back into the same losing cycle they’ve been caught in for the past few years.

2023 Season Recap

• Record: 61-101, 4th in AL Central
• Postseason: Did not qualify

The White Sox’s freefall has been notable since their 93-win, AL Central title in 2021. They finished 81-81 in 2022, but 2023 was a disastrous 100-loss campaign. Can they avoid a repeat performance in 2024?

2024 Season Preview

• Key Losses: SS Tim Anderson, RP Liam Hendriks, SP Mike Clevinger, C Yasmani Grandal, RP Aaron Brummer
• Key Additions: SS Paul DeJong, SP Mike Soroka, C Martin Maldonado, SP Chris Flexen, RP John Brebbia

After an offseason filled with activity, the White Sox made several moves, though they didn’t significantly alter the trajectory of the team. The focus was mainly on filling gaps, such as replacing long-time shortstop Tim Anderson with Paul DeJong. However, the team’s two most reliable bats, Luis Robert and Eloy Jiménez, are likely to be traded soon, leaving a large void in the lineup.

Dylan Cease, once considered a Cy Young contender, had a rough 2023 with a 4.58 ERA. This was part of a larger issue for the White Sox, whose pitching staff posted the fifth-highest ERA in baseball. Cease, at 28 years old and entering his prime, is expected to be traded as well, as Chicago is unlikely to offer him a big contract.

The additions of Erick Fedde and Chris Flexen, while adding depth to the rotation, are unlikely to propel the White Sox into postseason contention. These moves are more about eating innings throughout a long season than about competing at a high level.

In the lineup, Yoan Moncada and Martin Maldonado will take their at-bats, but both are projected to be below-average contributors. Along with Gavin Sheets and Nicky Lopez, these players will struggle to make a significant impact.

Ultimately, the White Sox are focusing on the future. While the team enters the season with some hope, the consensus is that 2024 will likely be another tough year for the franchise. Turning the team around will require significant effort, and the path forward remains unclear.

Potential Starting Lineup

• Andrew Benintendi, OF
• Andrew Vaughn, 1B
• Luis Robert, OF
• Yoan Moncada, 3B
• Eloy Jiménez, DH
• Dominic Fletcher, OF
• Paul DeJong, SS
• Nicky Lopez, 2B
• Martin Maldonado, C

Potential Rotation

• Dylan Cease
• Erick Fedde
• Michael Kopech
• Mike Soroka
• Chris Flexen

Final Record Prediction: 65-97

Source: https://www.fansfirstsports.com/2024-mlb-season-outlook-chicago-white-sox-preview-predictions-and-expectations/