A quick two-game sweep of the Pittsburgh Pirates followed by a series win over the Kansas City Royals resulted in the White Sox finishing with a 4-1 record last week. This was enough to keep them inside the Top 10 in every single ranking while inching closer to a top-five spot in most.
Here’s a complete look at where media outlets ranked the club this week.
MLB.com: 6
Previous Ranking: 9 (+3)
Conducted by Alyson Footer.
Released on Monday, August 31st.
ESPN: 8
Previous Ranking: 11 (+3)
“They were involved in some rumors to add pitching but made only a minor move in acquiring center field Jarrod Dyson from the Pirates. Rookie Dane Dunning fanned 14 in 9⅓ innings in his first two starts, so maybe he can be an impact starter behind Lucas Giolito and Dallas Keuchel. (Dylan Cease has a 3.00 ERA, but it’s a bit of a mirage, as he has a 6.19 FIP.” – ESPN staff
Released on Tuesday, September 1st.
The Athletic: 7
Previous Ranking: 12 (+5)
Conducted by Grant Brisbee. If you are subscribed to The Athletic, click here for further reasoning.
Released on Monday, August 31st.
CBS Sports: 4
Previous Ranking: 6 (+2)
“The most fun AL team to watch. I wish they had more starting pitching, though.” – Matt Snyder
Released on Tuesday, September 1st.
USA Today: 8
Previous Ranking: 10 (+2)
“Tim Anderson making a run at back-to-back batting titles.” – Jesse Yomtov
Released on Monday, August 31st.
Bleacher Report: 5
Previous Ranking: 8 (+3)
“The White Sox have a 12-2 record in their last 14 games with a staggering plus-53 run differential during that stretch. They are not just beating teams right now; they are demolishing them. Another starter at the deadline would have been nice, but Dane Dunning has thrown the ball extremely well in two starts, and the trio of Lucas Giolito, Dallas Keuchel and Dylan Cease looks rock-solid. This team is the real deal.” – Joel Reuter
Released on Tuesday, September 1st.
theScore: 5
Previous Ranking: 7 (+2)
“The White Sox have taken a major step forward this season but weren’t willing to deplete their prospect surplus for a short-term move. GM Rick Hahn said he was not parting with top pitching prospect Michael Kopech, who’s expected to be in the 2021 rotation. The club did add speedster Jarrod Dyson and his 254 career steals. Those wheels could play a major role come playoff time.” – theScore Staff
Released on Tuesday, September 1st.
FanSided: 3
Previous Ranking: N/A
“The White Sox came into 2020 with a lot of promise, but there were plenty who questioned if this weird assemblage of young top prospects and power-hitting veterans would click in a 60-game season. To be blunt, they have. With Luis Robert and Eloy Jimenez both mashing, and Jose Abreu having one of the best seasons of his career, this lineup is absolutely capable of winning a championship. Their prospects hinge on whether Lucas Giolito and the rotation can scrounge together enough wins to get the job done.” – Mike Luciano
Released on Monday, August 31st.
Baseball America: 7
Previous Ranking: 11 (+4)
“Midseason MVP: Jose Abreu, 1B – The White Sox offense is a juggernaut filled with premier young talents, but it’s the veteran Abreu who leads the team with 12 home runs and a 1.038 OPS.” – Kyle Glaser
Released on Friday, August 28th.
Sports Illustrated: 9
Previous Ranking: 11 (+2)
“We’ll go with José Abreu for this award, but really the entire White Sox offense deserves praise. Chicago leads the majors in combined fWAR (7.8) and wRC+ (123), slugging a ridiculous .490 as a team. Abreu has helmed the lineup’s recent surge, as he leads the AL in home runs (12), RBIs (30) and ranks third in slugging percentage (.672). He also ranks ninth among qualified hitters with an average exit velocity of 93.6 mph.” – Will Laws and Nick Selbe
Released on Friday, August 28th.
The White Sox will continue with their three-game series in Minnesota this evening before traveling to Kansas City for four this weekend. Check back early next week as we’ll provide another update on where the team stands.
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Featured Photo: White Sox/Twitter
