2024-25 Offseason Plan Thread

[Chicago White Sox]

Alright, figured it was time for us to have an offseason plan thread.  I know it’s different since we aren’t trying to compete and won’t be overly active in free agency, but we know the Crochet trade is coming at some point and there will be other moves made.  As such, even if you want to throw out some ideas of certain things what you want to see happen and not a full blown plan I think that’s totally fine.

[Chicago White Sox]

For me, here are my offseason goals:

1. Trade Crochet for the best pair of positional prospects including one with legit star potential (Red Sox & Phillies are my two favorite trade partners)
2. Explore a Robert trade leading up to Opening Day, but only consider it if you can get a legit top 100 / 50 FV positional prospect in return
3. Hold onto Benintendi unless someone will absorb 80% or more of his salary and certainly do not force him into a Crochet deal
4. Sign a free agent reliever to a one year deal who can slot into the closer role and be a potential flip candidate at the deadline (Jordan Romano is my favorite target right now depending on his health status)
5. Acquire a young, LH bat that can slot into the DH spot and potentially be a long-term piece (Ben Rice is my top target for this spot, but also willing to utilize the Rule 5 draft to grab a lottery ticket like Bob Seymour)
6. Take a pitcher with the 1.01 pick in the Rule 5 draft (Magdaleno, Castellano, etc.) and seriously consider drafting a second player at 2.01 (potentially a positional player like Franklin or Seymour)
7. Continue adding guys to minor league deals, but avoid major league deals on placeholder types, especially for the lineup and rotation

[Buehrle>Wood]

Extending Crochet should be done

 

[Kyyle23]

[JoeC]

1. Sell the team

2. Hire a GM.

[southsider2k5]

15 minutes ago, Kyyle23 said:

[Chicago White Sox]

As mentioned above, I do not want us to sign a bunch of DeJong types this offseason.  We have a ton of fringe major leaguers that should be battling for spots and allow them to swing or swim until better prospects are ready.

As such, this is the lineup that I’d like to see on Opening Day.  Right now, I’m assuming none of the prospects received are major league ready.

• 1B: Vaughn
• 2B: Sosa (eventual shift to reserve infielder role)
• SS: Baldwin# (shift to 2B once Montgomery is ready)
• 3B: Vargas (potentially Ramos as some point)
• LF: Benintendi*
• CF: Robert
• RF: Fletcher*, DeLoach*, or Colas*
• DH: Rice*, Rule 5 pick, or other trade
• CA: Lee (Quero# up by May 1st)

As highlighted above, Montgomery eventually gets called up and takes over SS until he proves he can’t handle the position.  That forces Baldwin to 2B unless Sosa is absolutely killing it.  If not, Lenyn moves to a backup role and can serve as the weak-side of a 2B platoon (he was one of our better hitters against LHP last year).  Quero will come up before May 1st and is only starting the season in AAA for service time manipulation.  Ramos is a wild card and could factor into a lot of spots.  Unfortunately with Vargas, it seems like we need to give him an extended look somewhere and 3B appears to be the spot they have in mind.  If so, I’d give Ramos a bit more seasoning in AAA and have him start playing some OF to improve his utility.  I wouldn’t be against him filling in at multiple spots (3B, 2B, LF, etc.) next year once ready.

By keeping Robert & Benintendi, you only have one OF spot to for the three AAAA OF types.  Unless Crochet returns a major league ready OF, I think you let Fletcher and DeLoach battle for the spot (with Colas a long-shot third option).  I am incredibly low on all these options, but at least Fletcher’s defense provides a path to a solid 4th OF with any meaningful improvement with the bat.  He’d be the guy I’d plan on getting the role, but I’d make him earn it.  Slater should be used as the weak side of a RF platoon regardless.  Also, it’s abundantly clear that we need to get one legit OF prospect in a Crochet trade and ideally one that’s not too far off because Robert & Benintendi could be gone by August.

[Chicago White Sox]

For reference, here is how Steamer 600 projects that lineup for next year:

• 1B: Vaughn (1.6 fWAR | 110 wRC+)
• 2B: Sosa (1.7 fWAR | 95 wRC+)
• SS: Baldwin# (2.0 fWAR | 92 wRC+)
• 3B: Vargas (1.9 fWAR | 105 wRC+)
• LF: Benintendi (1.5 fWAR | 105 wRC+)
• CF: Robert (2.4 fWAR | 104 wRC+)
• RF: Fletcher (0.1 fWAR | 82 wRC+)
• DH: Rice* (1.8 fWAR | 115 wRC+)
• CA: Quero# (2.3 fWAR | 97 wRC+)

Outside of RF, all these guys project to be slightly below average to average regulars.  Overall it’s a bad lineup and not all these guys are going to hit those projections, but if we can end up with two of Sosa, Baldwin, Vargas, & Fletcher (or DeLoach) becoming second division starters moving forward that’s a better outcome than hoping we can flip some scrap heap signings for useful prospects at the deadline.

[Balta1701]

1 hour ago, Chicago White Sox said:

For reference, here is how Steamer 600 projects that lineup for next year:

• 1B: Vaughn (1.6 fWAR | 110 wRC+)
• 2B: Sosa (1.7 fWAR | 95 wRC+)
• SS: Baldwin# (2.0 fWAR | 92 wRC+)
• 3B: Vargas (1.9 fWAR | 105 wRC+)
• LF: Benintendi (1.5 fWAR | 105 wRC+)
• CF: Robert (2.4 fWAR | 104 wRC+)
• RF: Fletcher (0.1 fWAR | 82 wRC+)
• DH: Rice* (1.8 fWAR | 115 wRC+)
• CA: Quero# (2.3 fWAR | 97 wRC+)

Outside of RF, all these guys project to be slightly below average to average regulars.  Overall it’s a bad lineup and not all these guys are going to hit those projections, but if we can end up with two of Sosa, Baldwin, Vargas, & Fletcher (or DeLoach) becoming second division starters moving forward that’s a better outcome than hoping we can flip some scrap heap signings for useful prospects at the deadline.

I'll bite.

Who is Rice?

[Chicago White Sox]

4 minutes ago, Balta1701 said:

I'll bite.

Who is Rice?

Ben Rice.  LH 1B/DH type (has played some catcher, but would pass on that) in the Yankees org who has put up big offensive numbers in the minors, but hasn’t yet proven himself in the majors.  Turns 26 next year and Yankees seem like they will add a more proven 1B this offseason which could make Rice available.  He’s the type of guy I’d love to roll the dice on.  I actually wanted him as a secondary piece in a Cease deal last offseason.

[Balta1701]

7 minutes ago, Chicago White Sox said:

Ben Rice.  LH 1B/DH type (has played some catcher, but would pass on that) in the Yankees org who has put up big offensive numbers in the minors, but hasn’t yet proven himself in the majors.  Turns 26 next year and Yankees seem like they will add a more proven 1B this offseason which could make Rice available.  He’s the type of guy I’d love to roll the dice on.  I actually wanted him as a secondary piece in a Cease deal last offseason.

Given how little the White Sox have to trade presumably he's coming back as one piece for Crochet? Or do you have another concept in mind? He's not on a rule 5 list right?

[almagest]

1 hour ago, Chicago White Sox said:

For reference, here is how Steamer 600 projects that lineup for next year:

• 1B: Vaughn (1.6 fWAR | 110 wRC+)
• 2B: Sosa (1.7 fWAR | 95 wRC+)
• SS: Baldwin# (2.0 fWAR | 92 wRC+)
• 3B: Vargas (1.9 fWAR | 105 wRC+)
• LF: Benintendi (1.5 fWAR | 105 wRC+)
• CF: Robert (2.4 fWAR | 104 wRC+)
• RF: Fletcher (0.1 fWAR | 82 wRC+)
• DH: Rice* (1.8 fWAR | 115 wRC+)
• CA: Quero# (2.3 fWAR | 97 wRC+)

Outside of RF, all these guys project to be slightly below average to average regulars.  Overall it’s a bad lineup and not all these guys are going to hit those projections, but if we can end up with two of Sosa, Baldwin, Vargas, & Fletcher (or DeLoach) becoming second division starters moving forward that’s a better outcome than hoping we can flip some scrap heap signings for useful prospects at the deadline.

BOY would I love a team that has everyone with a positive fWAR on offense.

[southsider2k5]

25 minutes ago, almagest said:

BOY would I love a team that has everyone with a positive fWAR on offense.

Or defense...

[Chicago White Sox]

19 minutes ago, Balta1701 said:

Given how little the White Sox have to trade presumably he's coming back as one piece for Crochet? Or do you have another concept in mind? He's not on a rule 5 list right?

I’m thinking something like Jake Eder for Ben Rice might make sense for both sides. I know that might feel gross given we just gave up a controllable 1B / DH  for Eder, but I think we have a pitching surplus to make this type of trade.

[Rowand44]

3 hours ago, Chicago White Sox said:

For me, here are my offseason goals:

1. Trade Crochet for the best pair of positional prospects including one with legit star potential (Red Sox & Phillies are my two favorite trade partners)
2. Explore a Robert trade leading up to Opening Day, but only consider it if you can get a legit top 100 / 50 FV positional prospect in return
3. Hold onto Benintendi unless someone will absorb 80% or more of his salary and certainly do not force him into a Crochet deal
4. Sign a free agent reliever to a one year deal who can slot into the closer role and be a potential flip candidate at the deadline (Jordan Romano is my favorite target right now depending on his health status)
5. Acquire a young, LH bat that can slot into the DH spot and potentially be a long-term piece (Ben Rice is my top target for this spot, but also willing to utilize the Rule 5 draft to grab a lottery ticket like Bob Seymour)
6. Take a pitcher with the 1.01 pick in the Rule 5 draft (Magdaleno, Castellano, etc.) and seriously consider drafting a second player at 2.01 (potentially a positional player like Franklin or Seymour)
7. Continue adding guys to minor league deals, but avoid major league deals on placeholder types, especially for the lineup and rotation

This is like the one thing I care about this offseason.  If we're trading Garrett we better not be forcing a salary dump that's going to hurt our return when this team has 0 payroll to begin with.

[SCCWS]

3 hours ago, Chicago White Sox said:

As mentioned above, I do not want us to sign a bunch of DeJong types this offseason.  We have a ton of fringe major leaguers that should be battling for spots and allow them to swing or swim until better prospects are ready.

As such, this is the lineup that I’d like to see on Opening Day.  Right now, I’m assuming none of the prospects received are major league ready.

• 1B: Vaughn
• 2B: Sosa (eventual shift to reserve infielder role)
• SS: Baldwin# (shift to 2B once Montgomery is ready)
• 3B: Vargas (potentially Ramos as some point)
• LF: Benintendi*
• CF: Robert
• RF: Fletcher*, DeLoach*, or Colas*
• DH: Rice*, Rule 5 pick, or other trade
• CA: Lee (Quero# up by May 1st)

As highlighted above, Montgomery eventually gets called up and takes over SS until he proves he can’t handle the position.  That forces Baldwin to 2B unless Sosa is absolutely killing it.  If not, Lenyn moves to a backup role and can serve as the weak-side of a 2B platoon (he was one of our better hitters against LHP last year).  Quero will come up before May 1st and is only starting the season in AAA for service time manipulation.  Ramos is a wild card and could factor into a lot of spots.  Unfortunately with Vargas, it seems like we need to give him an extended look somewhere and 3B appears to be the spot they have in mind.  If so, I’d give Ramos a bit more seasoning in AAA and have him start playing some OF to improve his utility.  I wouldn’t be against him filling in at multiple spots (3B, 2B, LF, etc.) next year once ready.

By keeping Robert & Benintendi, you only have one OF spot to for the three AAAA OF types.  Unless Crochet returns a major league ready OF, I think you let Fletcher and DeLoach battle for the spot (with Colas a long-shot third option).  I am incredibly low on all these options, but at least Fletcher’s defense provides a path to a solid 4th OF with any meaningful improvement with the bat.  He’d be the guy I’d plan on getting the role, but I’d make him earn it.  Slater should be used as the weak side of a RF platoon regardless.  Also, it’s abundantly clear that we need to get one legit OF prospect in a Crochet trade and ideally one that’s not too far off because Robert & Benintendi could be gone by August.

If we are trading Crochet, I would prefer that the Number 1 return is ready to start next year. But not Abreu from Boston since he is not proven to be an everyday OF.  

[Chicago White Sox]

34 minutes ago, almagest said:

BOY would I love a team that has everyone with a positive fWAR on offense.

If I’m being honest, I was a little surprised by some of those projections and am confident not all would be met, but I do think most of these guys have positive fWAR floors if they are given a chance (outside of Fletcher).

[Chicago White Sox]

6 minutes ago, SCCWS said:

If we are trading Crochet, I would prefer that the Number 1 return is ready to start next year. But not Abreu from Boston since he is not proven to be an everyday OF.  

Any deal with the Red Sox needs to include Mayer or Campbell as the centerpiece IMO.

[ChiSoxFanMike]

3 minutes ago, Chicago White Sox said:

Any deal with the Red Sox needs to include Mayer or Campbell as the centerpiece IMO.

I’ve seen people say Mayer is like Moncada with the injury issues. Not sure how true that is.

[southsider2k5]

9 minutes ago, SCCWS said:

If we are trading Crochet, I would prefer that the Number 1 return is ready to start next year. But not Abreu from Boston since he is not proven to be an everyday OF.  

The Garrett Crochet trade will tell me most everything I need to know about what the Chris Getz era is going to look like.  If Andrew Benitendi is in the deal, it means Chris has zero power and it just doing exactly what Jerry tells him to do, as no unencumbered GM waters down the deal for their superstar with a bad contract.  Maximizing this deal could literally take a year or two off of the rebuild if you can find multiple offensive starts from this deal.  Reduce that return for a stupid contract that you should just eat anyway, and that doesn't happen.

[WhiteSox2023]

37 minutes ago, Chicago White Sox said:

I’m thinking something like Jake Eder for Ben Rice might make sense for both sides. I know that might feel gross given we just gave up a controllable 1B / DH  for Eder, but I think we have a pitching surplus to make this type of trade.

Haha, I know you already said as much but trading Burger for Eder and then Eder for Rice is so very White Sox.

Edited December 4 by WhiteSox2023

[Chicago White Sox]

5 minutes ago, WhiteSox2023 said:

Haha, I know you already said as much but trading Burger for Eder and then Eder for Rice is so very White Sox.

It would be no doubt, but Eder is far behind our other SP options.  And while he could be interesting as a LH reliever, I’d rather have the bat even if it’s a 1B / DH profile.

[Balta1701]

3 hours ago, Chicago White Sox said:

It would be no doubt, but Eder is far behind our other SP options.  And while he could be interesting as a LH reliever, I’d rather have the bat even if it’s a 1B / DH profile.

I don't see how Eder could have any value right now. Would you swap in a better-performing minor league pitcher, someone maybe like Burke who could help them this season?

[southsider2k5]

3 minutes ago, Balta1701 said:

I don't see how Eder could have any value right now. Would you swap in a better-performing minor league pitcher, someone maybe like Burke who could help them this season?

Unless the Yankees see something fixable in him that the Sox haven't been able to get to.

[Balta1701]

10 minutes ago, southsider2k5 said:

Unless the Yankees see something fixable in him that the Sox haven't been able to get to.

Even then I'd have to imagine they would sit around and wait for him to be put on waivers this season. Same as Colas right now, you just have to expect that these guys will be available for nothing this year.