Many free agents still need to be signed despite Spring Training commencing in under two weeks. I previously highlighted free-agent pitching options pitching options that might fall into the Chicago White Sox wheelhouse financially, but the club hasn’t signed any of the options discussed thus far.
However, many of them are still available. To be exact, I’ve identified eight free-agent pitchers who fit the White Sox’ immediate needs and economic constraints.
Dylan Cease’s name continues to swirl in trade rumors involving multiple teams, but nothing has materialized yet due to Chicago’s steep asking price. White Sox manager Pedro Grifol took the rumors in another direction last week when he named Cease his opening-day starter. Even with Cease expected to be in the starting rotation, the South Siders could use another arm or two.
The 2024 Chicago White Sox: It Is What It Is
None of the starting pitchers I’ve identified will inspire much confidence, but the Pale Hose needs additional arms. This group of veterans has a medium to high variance in expected performance and health. The White Sox have had some success with reclamation-project pitchers they’ve claimed off the scrap heap, and this group presents a low risk.
The Already Mentioned
In this series’s earlier entries, I’ve discussed veterans Mike Clevinger, Johnny Cueto, Zach Greinke, Rich Hill, and Julio Teheran. I’ll recap those players and cover a few additional options.
Minor-League Deals
Cueto is coming off a rough, injury-plagued season after the White Sox rode him hard in 2022. The crafty veteran might not hold up to the rigors of an entire season but could be serviceable as a spot starter or out of the bullpen.
Teheran pitched well in limited action with the Milwaukee Brewers and may not have the durability to take the ball every fifth day, but he could be serviceable. Both veterans will likely need to sign minor-league deals.
Zach Davies is only two years removed from a respectable campaign where he logged 134.1 innings over 27 starts and compiled a 4.09 ERA. The 31-year-old had an abysmal 2023 season with the pennant-winning Arizona Diamondbacks. Arizona designated him for assignment after 18 starts, and he remained unemployed for the rest of the season.
Davies has little value on the open market and likely needs a minor-league deal to re-establish himself. Returning to his 2022 form would likely put him in the top three of the White Sox rotation.
Old As They Get
The Kansas City Royals have moved on from Zack Greinke, their 2002 draft pick, after spending $105 million on free agents. The White Sox organization is entrenched in former Royals. Seeing Greinke suit up for the South Siders wouldn’t be a surprise, and with time running out on his career, the short-term financial commitment is feasible.
Rich Hill, the soon-to-be 44-year-old ageless wonder, is contemplating a return to the mound mid-season. He considered it in 2023 before signing with the Pittsburgh Pirates in the offseason. Hill credits new White Sox pitching czar Brian Bannister with extending his career when they worked together during their tenure with the Boston Red Sox.
A lighter role would benefit the veteran, and the White Sox need all the help they can get.
A Reunion
Many considered it a peculiar decision that Mike Clevinger opted out of the $12 million guarantee he left on the table with the White Sox, but the right-hander likely sought a multi-year deal.
Despite a solid 2023 campaign, he and his agent may have misread the market. Chicago owes him $4 million in 2024, but he remains unsigned. A reunion is possible if the veteran is willing to take a cheap, incentive-laden one-year deal.
The Best Of The Bunch
Michael Lorenzen is a name mentioned among the online portion of the White Sox fan base. Lorenzen reached a career-high in innings pitched (153) with the Philadelphia Phillies and Detroit Tigers in 2023. He made 25 starts and appeared in relief four times as well. The 32-year-old faltered during seven starts with Philly but made the All-Star team with a solid first half in Detroit.
The starting pitching market is becoming increasingly challenging to read as Lorenzen seemed poised to receive up to a three-year deal. But with pitchers and catchers set to report in 13 days, a two-year deal with an opt-out in 2025 seems more realistic for him and the White Sox — should something materialize.
If his 11-start 2023 season indicates his viability, then Hyun-Jin Ryu would slide into the No. 2 spot in Chicago’s rotation behind Dylan Cease. From 2017 to 2021, Ryu compiled 13.6 bWAR for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays. The lefty is attempting to pitch his first full season since 2021 after undergoing Tommy John surgery in June 2022.
He’s entering his age-37 season, but a short-term deal for a determined veteran with something to prove is the perfect fit for a White Sox team already out of contention. He could provide trade-deadline value depending on the nature of the deal and if he exceeds expectations.
What’s On Tap Next?
Despite Spring Training starting soon, several free agents remain on the market. The aforementioned names could be White Sox-friendly pitching options financially.
Chris Getz and Co. must find arms due to a lack of talent among the current pitching corps and the need for durability through a full 162-game season. The White Sox face the challenge of bolstering a pitching staff with little time and few options left to do so.
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