The Chicago White Sox have had a busy offseason so far. They’ve signed some notable pitchers and position players. The team signed Yasmani Grandal fairly early into the offseason. This could have been a factor as to why some pitchers wanted to sign with Chicago being that Grandal has been a solid catcher defensively. Here is a potential pitching rotation for the Chicago White Sox to start the 2020 season.
Pitcher Lucas Giolito (Image courtesy of UPI.com)
Lucas Giolito had one of the best seasons on the mound in all of baseball in 2019. He posted a 3.41 ERA in 29 starts over 176 2/3 innings. His 228 strikeouts to 57 base on balls is also impressive. Add in his 1.064 WHIP as more evidence to the type of season Giolito had. He should be pitching on Opening Day for the White Sox, even with veteran pitcher Dallas Keuchel being added to the roster. Should Giolito start Opening Day, the team is scheduled to be at home against the Royals.
Dallas Keuchel is now on his third team since 2018. He signed with the Braves later in the 2019 season where started 19 games. The former Cy Young winner posted some solid numbers with Atlanta, including a 3.75 ERA. He also gave up 115 hits over 112 2/3 innings, along with 16 homers and 39 base on balls. His strikeouts were down at 91, but he did pitch his least amount of regular-season innings since the 2012 season. The southpaw can help the White Sox with some valuable innings this season.
Another lefty pitcher was added to the White Sox in the offseason. Gio Gonzalez is also on his third team since 2018. He spent a majority of 2018 with Washington before heading to Milwaukee. Gonzalez only pitched 87 1/3 innings for the Brewers last season. However, he made usage of some of those innings by posting a 3.50 ERA along with a 1.294 WHIP. Those aren’t elite numbers, but in a lengthy baseball season, some managers are willing to take a pitcher like Gonzalez. He still has potential for a solid season pitching with the White Sox in 2020.
Reynaldo Lopez (Image courtesy of NBC Sports)
Entering his fifth big league season, Reynaldo Lopez can benefit from the addition of some other veteran pitchers. After a shaky 2019, the 26-year-old can possibly get some tips from the other pitchers on the roster. He finished the season with a career high 5.38 ERA, along with 203 hits over just 184 innings. However, Lopez does have potential to turn things around should he be in the rotation this season. He threw 7 2/3 innnigs against the Indians on May 13 of last season. He allowed a lead-off homer to Francisco Lindor, but he ended up allowing just one more hit and no more earned runs other than the long ball. Some starts like these can really help Lopez in the 2020 season.
It isn’t a guarantee, but Dylan Cease could be in the starting rotation for the White Sox to start the 2020 season. The 24-year-old had 14 starts in his rookie season, compiling a 5.79 ERA. He recorded 81 strikeouts through 73 innings. As stated with Lopez, Cease can benefit from the addition of veteran pitchers as well. Being behid guys like Giolito and Keuchel in a rotation can help Cease develop at the big league level. A notable spring training can be a big factor in Cease solidifying a spot in the rotation to start the season.
Feature Image Courtesy of Sports Illustrated.
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