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5 moves the Chicago White Sox should make once the MLB lockout ends

By Todd Welter

Oct 10, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox manager Tony La Russa (middle) talks with team owner Jerry Reinsdor before game three of the 2021 ALDS against the Houston Astros at Guaranteed Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox manager Tony La Russa (middle) talks with team owner Jerry Reinsdor before game three of the 2021 ALDS against the Houston Astros at Guaranteed Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /

The Chicago White Sox offseason came to a screeching halt once Major League Baseball owners locked out the players back in December 2021.

Once the lockout ends, and who knows when that will be, the Chicago White Sox must address needs at second base, right field, the starting rotation, and the bullpen.

The White Sox have the talent to win the American League Central if they go into the season making no other major additions.

Baseball Prospectus and Fangraphs project the Chicago White Sox winning their second consecutive AL Central crown.

Winning a second-division title for the first time in franchise history is nice and all. 2022 is all about winning the World Series.

Winning a playoff series is not going to cut it as a successful season. It is World Series or bust.

Right now going into 2022 with Leury Garica as the everyday second baseman and a platoon of Adam Engel, Andrew Vaughn, and Gavin Sheets in rightfield does not scream having the talent to plan a victory parade.

General manager Rick Hahn still has work to do once the lockout is lifted to elevate the Chicago White Sox from division contender to being the king of the baseball mountain.

Here are some moves he can make to put the Chicago White Sox over the top.

Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

Move One: Sign Trevor Story

Tim Anderson is currently occupying the shortstop position in the lineup. Do not think for a second Anderson would move to second base if it meant bringing in Story’s bat to the hitting order. Anderson is the ultimate team guy. He would make the move.

Anderson and Story’s number complement each other nicely.

Story is looking to win and a great team environment. The Chicago White Sox satisfies both criteria.

Story did not have his best season in 2021. He still posted respectable numbers in Colorado. He hit .251 with 24 home runs and 75 RBI. He posted a 4.2 Wins Above Replacement (WAR). His career slash line is .340 on-base percentage, .523 slugging percentage, and .863 on-base plus slugging (OPS).

He has 66 career errors in six seasons at shortstop while Anderson has 104–although he has had just 16 in the last two seasons.

Fangraphs projects Story will hit 27 home runs and post 108 wRC+ with a 3.6 WAR.

Story will not come cheap but the World Series is not awarded to the team with the best balance sheet.

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