Chicago White Sox: 3 key moves to make this offseason

Extend a Qualifying Offer to Carlos Rodon

Carlos Rodon was a big part of the Chicago White Sox success during the 2021 season.

There’s a good chance that the White Sox loss to the Houston Astros in Game 4 of the ALDS was Carlos Rodon’s final game in the black and white but it’s crucial that the Sox at least offer a qualifying offer to the 28-year-old southpaw.

Rodon had a solid year in 2021, posting a thoroughly impressive 13-5 record with a 2.37 ERA. Despite missing significant time throughout the latter portion of the season, Rodon posted a 1.93 ERA with 36 strikeouts in his six starts between August and September.

The Sox must extend the qualifying offer (which has been set at $18.4 million for this season). Though it’s likely that Rodon will decline the QO and hit free agency, the Sox must offer a deal in the event that he accepts it. Regardless, the compensatory draft pick that comes with his likely declination is worth it.

It’s also worth extending an offer to him after he presumably declines, though it’s hard to say if that will be a long-term or short-term deal. Though extremely solid this year, Rodon hasn’t had much success prior to 2021 and has struggled with injuries as of late. At the very least, the Sox must present Rodon with a QO and take a flier from him in free agency assuming he hits.