Staying healthy is key, but White Sox still need help at three key spots
Finding a manager is the White Sox's first order of business this offseason, and Astros bench coach Joe Espada seems to be emerging as the likely replacement for Tony La Russa.
Addressing the roster is next, but don't expect the Sox to make any major free-agent additions after an underachieving 81-81 season.
"It's easy at the end of a disappointing season to say you've got to burn it to the ground," general manager Rick Hahn said. "I think that's not where we're at as an organization. There's a good amount of talent there. There's talent that's performed at an elite level.
"We've got to figure out a way to get them back to that level and augment accordingly."
Keeping key players like Tim Anderson, Luis Robert, Eloy Jimenez and Yasmani Grandal healthy and on the field would solve a lot of problems for the White Sox.
"Obviously, being without certain players for extended period of time this year hurt us," Hahn said. "It would be easy to stand up here and just blame the injuries and say we're going to be healthier and smarter and luckier next year, which could be a path to success. But I think by nature, each of us involved in baseball operations and ownership and in the dugout and with our coaching staff, we want to somehow find ways to improve this thing and not just by projecting better health and better luck."
Just like last year, the White Sox need to address second base and right field. They could also use another starting pitcher.
Aaron Judge is heading for free agency, but the Yankees' home run machine is expected to command a contract in the eight-year, $300 million range.
While the right-fielder is going to be in demand, the Sox are not players at that price. Mitch Haniger (Mariners) and Brandon Nimmo (Mets) would be much cheaper options.
As for second base and a starter, the White Sox are very familiar with two players that are heading to the open market.
Claimed off waivers from the Athletics on Aug. 19, Elvis Andrus took over for the injured Anderson at shortstop and was a revelation, hitting .271 with 9 home runs and 28 RBI in 43 games.
Over his 14-year career with Oakland, Texas and the Sox, Andrus has never played second base. He is willing to make the move and enjoyed his short stay on the South Side.
"The city is one of the best in the U.S.," Andrus said. "It's been a lot of fun being here. I really enjoyed every moment. I don't know what's going to happen in the future. I'm a free agent for the first time in my career, so we'll see how it goes. But everybody knows the chances are open for me to come back next year.
"If that's what it is (playing second base), if that's the only option I have, I'd be more than happy. For me, it's about playing and, at this point in my career, winning, being in a winning environment."
Johnny Cueto, who will be 37 at the start of spring training, was 8-10 with a 3.35 ERA in 24 starts with the White Sox this season.
"It was the first time in the last couple of years that I was pitching pain-free, and that was a huge difference," Cueto said through a translator. "I want to pitch and I feel like I can pitch two or three more years. I would like to come back here but that is not my decision to make."