5 White Sox comeback players to target in fantasy baseball

Are you ready for the 2023 Fantasy Baseball season? Getting your big board together with your top players? Now, how many White Sox players are on that big board?

With the 2022 season being a down year for the Chicago White Sox, who can you trust from the team to help you get that coveted fantasy championship? Let’s take a look at five good cases.

Luis Robert

Now, not everyone can draft Mike Trout, Aaron Judge, or Mookie Betts, so you should look to this White Sox outfielder.

Luis Robert has potential. When healthy, he can crush the ball and play excellent defense; however, “when” is the keyword in this sentence. Hampered by hamstring injuries in the past several seasons, Robert’s production has been incredibly limited when compared to his ceiling. However, as someone who can provide you with plenty of putouts, stolen bases, and even some power numbers when he is healthy, his stock should absolutely be on the rise in your league. Consider Robert a good buy-low option who may be available a bit later in drafts than usual.

Andrew Vaughn

First base is a position that has been locked down for the Sox since 1990. From Frank Thomas to Paul Konerko to Jose Abreu, the Sox are hoping that Andrew Vaughn is their next stalwart at first base. Despite getting off to a great start in 2022, Vaughn once again faded down the stretch in the dog days of summer. Hopefully, with the full-time move to first base, Vaughn can become a putout machine at first that can also focus on improving his power numbers beyond the 15 home runs he hit last season.

With his ability to play the outfield as well, Vaughn could be a sneaky get with a multiple-position designation, especially considering that the White Sox may end up putting Vaughn in the outfield a few times throughout the season based on need.

Tim Anderson

He may be the best SS in the AL Central, despite not putting up numbers that reflected this distinction throughout most of 2022.

Ending 2022 on the injured list and dealing with rumored off-the-field issues seemed to get the most of Tim Anderson at times, as he ended the season with some of his worst numbers – especially in the power department – since 2018. However, because of his pedigree, Tim Anderson can be a top 20 player to draft in 2023; hits, stolen bases, home runs, RBIs – Anderson can do it all. With a regime that might be asking him to be the leader in the clubhouse, Anderson could be who you need at shortstop this year.

Coming off a season in 2021 where he accumulated quite a share of fantasy points, the needle was pointing upwards for Anderson. With the chaos of last year and only accumulating about half of the fantasy points of 2021 – albeit in just 79 games – Anderson remains poised for a big 2023 with a future big contract in sight.

Michael Kopech

Now, after covering three hitters, you may be thinking, “what about my pitching staff?” Well, the obvious member of the pitching staff to try and get is Dylan Cease. In the doldrums of 2022 for the White Sox, Cease was the bright spot. But, if you’re thinking you won’t have a chance to grab the Sox ace, looking a bit deeper in the rotation will give you a potential hidden gem.

By the numbers, Michael Kopech may be a sleeper. Looking at his totals and taking into account the fact that injuries hampered parts of his 2022 season, Kopech was solid fantasy-wise despite the low volume of innings. The fact that Kopech is on track to be ready for Spring Training is a big positive sign for his health. He has shown plenty of front-line talent when healthy, posting strikeout numbers that may be what you need to keep you in the hunt in 2023.

Matt Foster

Here’s a wild card to round out our list. You know the top-tier players, secondary players, and waiver stream guys, but who is someone that no one else is on?

With relievers aplenty in fantasy, but dedicated closers being few and far between, there may be someone to watch on the White Sox. With the saddening news about Liam Hendriks’ cancer diagnosis, someone from the bullpen will need to step into his role. Additionally, Hendriks’ absence creates an open spot in the bullpen until he is able to return.

With Aaron Bummer, Garrett Crochet, Kendall Graveman, and Reynaldo Lopez likely getting the first cracks at the closer role, my eye will be on Matt Foster. After lowering his ERA from 2021 to 2022 and establishing a third pitch in the form of his slider, he may be just the steady arm the Sox – and you as a fantasy player – will need.

Any players we missed from our list? Let us know @SoxOn35th!

Featured Image: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports