5 moves the Chicago White Sox should make once the MLB lockout ends
By Todd Welter
Move Two: Trade Craig Kimbrel for Jean Segura if unable to sign Story
I still think the Chicago White Sox should keep Kimbrel and move him to the closer role. The Sox can then deploy Liam Hendriks to lock down the seventh or eighth inning for one season.
The White Sox seem inclined to trade Kimbrel given his cost.
The Philadelphia Phillies were a rumored trading partner for Kimbrel.
Phillies need two OFs and a SP (or two), but closer is a priority. On their wish list: Josh Hader, Craig Kimbrel and Kenley Jansen. Since Brewers would require a haul for Hader and Jansen loves LA, their best shot might be Kimbrel, who has a Dombrowski tie (Boston) @MLBNetwork
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 19, 2021
One rumor before the lockout had the White Sox sending Kimbrel and the $16 million owed to him for infielder Jean Segura and the $14 million he is set to make.
This would be one solution to the White Sox second base issue, especially if the Sox cannot land Story.
Segura does not have the pop in his bat but he is a reliable hitter and fielder. He is coming off a career-best .981 fielding percentage.
Move Three: Re-sign Ryan Tepera
The White Sox are moving Michael Kopech to the starting rotation. Kimbrel is most likely to be traded. That means the Sox bullpen is losing two high-leverage arms.
The Chicago White Sox did sign reliever Kendall Graveman to fill one of those spots. The Sox should consider bringing back Tepera to fortify the bullpen.
Tepera posted a 2.50 ERA and struck out 24 in 18 innings after being acquired in a trade with the Chicago Cubs at the trade deadline.
Outside of his 2019 season, Tepera has been a reliable bullpen arm to get outs. Fangraphs does project him not having a great 2022 season.
He has been consistent throughout his career so it is worth the risk.