The current state of the White Sox doesn’t necessarily bode well for the team’s impending free agents. USA Today’s MLB columnist Bob Nightengale made mention of several players in his Sunday notebook and provided a future outlook of sorts should the South Siders continue their fall out of contention.
His first point is one that will likely get the most attention as it suggests the White Sox will not bring back Lucas Giolito after he becomes an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
“The White Sox don’t plan to keep starter Lucas Giolito after this season, and will make him available at the trade deadline if they are out of the race.”
– Bob Nightengale/USA Today
Though this comment might catch some fans off guard, it really shouldn’t. Giolito will likely command a decent amount and is already known to have contract disputes with the organization, most notably with his prior extension talks and the following arbitration.
As The Athletic’s James Fegan shed light on last year, the White Sox originally extended an offer to Giolito worth four years, $50 million guaranteed that would have covered his 2021-24 seasons along with a club option for 2025. Rather than accepting or even negotiating further, Giolito’s camp declined the offer and didn’t bother to issue a counter since it wasn’t seen as being enough to drive further discussion.
Arbitration, after the fact, reared its ugly head and led to some public frustration from Giolito and his family.
“For it to come down to a $50K difference prior to the filing, it’s like, ’Come on.’ It’s an upsetting part of the process. It’s why a lot of us don’t enjoy the business side of the process.”
– Lucas Gioltio via Daryl Van Schouwen/Chicago Sun-Times
At the time, Lucas entered 2022 with a 3.47 ERA across the previous three seasons but went on to struggle to a disappointing 4.90 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, and 2.90 K/BB ratio in 161.2 innings. The 28-year-old is on a much better pace in his contract year, currently owning a 3.67 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, and 4.56 K/BB ratio across 41.2 innings pitched. Should he keep that trend up and continue to serve as the team’s top starter, he may be able to command a decent package come July. Just remember, though, the same front office that rebuilt this team will likely still be in place by the summer so don’t get your hopes up too much if you’re wanting a drastic change.
Some other interesting notes Nightengale mentioned revolve around the bullpen. The columnist reports that veteran relievers Joe Kelly and Kendall Graveman will also be available at the trade deadline if things continue to trend south. Kelly has a $9.5 million club option for the 2024 season, while Graveman has one year left on his deal worth $8 million.
Meanwhile, Liam Hendriks can expect to see his option exercised by the team. Nightengale says the White Sox “certainly plan” to pick up the $15 million option on their closer, especially considering that the buyout is also worth $15 million and wouldn’t make any logical sense.
The biggest question mark now is the team’s performance throughout the rest of May. The White Sox absolutely have to take advantage of a four-game series against Kansas City to start the week or else they could be in some trouble once the Astros and Guardians come to town beginning next weekend. A lot about this team’s future will likely be determined by their record come mid-to-late May.
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Featured Photo: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
The White Sox had to win the Kansas City Series, but guess what? When a friend said the White Sox should beat Kansas City, I replied that based on the Sox level of play and all of the team’s issues, you can’t rely on them to beat anyone! Given all of this, anyone on this team would be crazy not to accept an offer from another team! It would be different if the team treated its players well. However, Abreu felt that the team didn’t respect him. The team also lowballs come contract negotiation time!
He was never going to sign an extension. Giolito’s agent is Boras. His clients do not give hometown discounts. Plus, it is safe bet Giolito wants to get away from dysfunction that now resides on the the southside. He will most likely sign a “prove-it” deal with another team and reenter FA in 2025.