Chicago Cubs: Comparing the Cubs and White Sox rebuilds

White Sox free agency signings

Another significant difference between the Cubs and White Sox rebuilds is the number of significant free agency signings…at least for now.

Unlike the Cubs, the White Sox have been reasonably quiet in free agency during the rebuild. Part of that is no doubt due to the Sox unsuccessful and expensive free agency signings in recent years (see Dunn, Adam and LaRoche, Adam).

Another key reason behind that is that the White Sox are still not finished with their rebuild. There’s no doubt that the Sox will make some more splashes, and perhaps very soon. The Sox have been linked to free agent superstars Manny Machado and Bryce Harper, but apparently the two are waiting until winter of 2097 to sign a contract.

The only two major signings that the White Sox have made which could be components of a White Sox championship contender have both come as international free agents.

Jose Abreu (October 29, 2013)

Although Abreu was signed well before the rebuild commenced on the South Side, it’s definitely possible that he will be with the Sox when they reach championship contention. Abreu will hit free agency after the 2019 season and although it’s quite possible that he’s elsewhere by then, he may also be a key veteran piece for the club to hold on to.

Luis Robert (May 27, 2017)

Luis Robert may very well be a generational player. Signed as an international free agent on May 27, 2017 for $52 million, White Sox fans are already drooling over having Robert at Guaranteed Rate Field in the near future.