Some conflicting reports regarding the team’s interest in Yasiel Puig are still floating around on this last Friday of the decade. Here’s the latest on those rumors and others related to the bullpen:
White Sox rumored to be interested in Puig, Castellanos
Let’s first start with rumors linking the team to a couple of free agent outfielders. Immediately following the signing of Edwin Encarnacion on Christmas, MLB Network’s Jon Heyman reported that the White Sox were talking to Nicholas Castellanos and Yasiel Puig. This was not particularly shocking by any means, given the team could still be looking for a platoon option or better to help improve their right field situation.
MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand followed up on Thursday evening by stating that the White Sox remain engaged in the right field market and that Puig appears to be the primary target. Hector Gomez reported on Friday morning per a source that the Marlins, White Sox, Angels, D-Backs, and Rangers have all shown interest in the Cuban outfielder, with the Marlins and White Sox being the most interested of the group. While there’s still a million questions that linger about whether Puig even makes sense for the White Sox, these are the latest reports on the one end of the spectrum.
White Sox not involved in Puig talks, focussed on bullpen
Now shifting to the opposite end, Bruce Levine of 670 The Score released some conflicting information on Thursday night from a source that said, “the Chicago White Sox have zero negotiations going on with Yasiel Puig’s people.” USA Today’s Bob Nightengale went along these lines on Friday morning to say the club is not actively involved in talks for either Yasiel Puig or Nicholas Castellanos. Instead, they are committed to Nomar Mazara and are turning their focus towards improving the bullpen.
Levine later added Friday afternoon that the Sox are going for a pair of bullpen arms and a utility infielder.
This ultimately makes more sense for the team, as they appear set on rolling with Mazara out in right field due to the upside he possesses. Another platoon option would be beneficial, though Puig does not seem to be the most logical fit for that role due to his similar splits and recurring toxic clubhouse presence among other factors. If the Mazara/platoon experiment does not go as planned, there is always next offseason to sign a more proven talent to fill the void for the 2021 season.
As for the bullpen, we have seen how crucial solid relief pitchers are for teams ready to make the jump into contention. The White Sox have not been linked to any bullpen arms specifically, though there are still some names that exist in free agency such as Will Harris, Daniel Hudson, and Steve Cishek. Trades are also a strong possibility if the team is not happy with any of the remaining names or don’t want to extend their payroll any further, even though they have the flexibility to spend on any of the aforementioned players.
Articles you may have missed
The free agent signings and holidays have made this a crazy time for all. Here’s a list of our latest articles in case you may have missed any over the past several days:
- With Dallas Keuchel on board, the White Sox finally have respectable talent to surround their stars – Written by Nik Gaur
- White Sox and free agent Edwin Encarnacion reportedly agree to a one-year, $12 million deal – Written by Joe Binder
- How should the White Sox order their suddenly dangerous lineup? – Written by Nik Gaur
- How close is the 2020 AL Central Race? – Written by Jordan Lazowski
- Haters will hate: Debunking the criticism of the Encarnacion, Keuchel signings – Written by Tim Moran
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