Chicago White Sox: Why Tim Anderson is the team’s biggest star

2. Leadership

In addition to his production at the plate and on the bases, Anderson has improved a major facet of his game that was previously non-existent, his leadership.

In years past, Anderson had carried himself in a quiet, nonchalant manner. Now, as the White Sox continue to get younger, Anderson has opened up, becoming one of the biggest leaders for the White Sox on and off the field.

While it’s tough to find clear examples of his leadership off the field, the impact that Anderson has on his teammates is obvious. Whether it be his emotion, clutch hitting, or pure leadership, Anderson has done an excellent job of leading by example this season, which has certainly loosened up the White Sox amidst tough stretches and lifted them during hot streaks.

The once veteran-heavy White Sox clubhouse is pretty much gone, as times are changing on the South Side. As the rebuild continues on and players join the team from the minor leagues, leadership from established players in the White Sox clubhouse will be pivotal in developing minor league talent into major league production. Anderson is looking like the perfect player to facilitate that, as his emergence as a vocal leader has shown obvious effects in the production of his teammates, as well as the atmosphere around the White Sox as a team.

Finally, Anderson’s leadership will continue to play a big role this season as well. A 162-game schedule is a marathon, so Anderson will need to bring the same leadership qualities day-in and day-out in order for the White Sox to make a run at staying competitive throughout the entire duration of the season.