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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: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

Move Four: Sign Michael Conforto

The Chicago White Sox right now are slated to platoon Engel, Vaughn, and Sheets. Engel has a great glove but cannot stay healthy. Vaughn and Sheets have promising bats but limited work in the right field.

Conforto had a down season in 2021. He hit .232 and had only 14 homes. He had a .384 slugging last season.

He did hit 88 homers between the 2017 and 2019 seasons.

Fangraphs also projects he can hit 25 home runs and post a 121 wRC+ with a 2.5 WAR.

If he can have a bounce-back year, it allows Engel to be a late-inning replacement for Eloy Jimenez in leftfield. Additionally, the Sox can get Vaughn and Sheets’ bats in the lineup at designated hitter, first base, or left field.

Move Five: Trade Gavin Sheets or Jake Burger for starting pitching or a bullpen arm.

Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /

The Sox could use Sheets’ power potential and contract control as a way to acquire a starting pitcher. The Chicago White Sox are moving Kopech to the rotation but will limit his innings. Dallas Keuchel is a risk to count on to have a bounce-back season.

Carlos Rodon is a long shot to return to the Southside. The free-agent starting pitching market is not the greatest.

The White Sox have Jose Abreu, Yasmani Grandal, Vaughn, and Jimenez available to get at-bats at DH. The Sox also have an excess of outfielders.

Since it appears the National League will have the DH this season, Sheets can be moved to a National League team needing his bat. The Milwaukee Brewers or Miami Marlins have pitching depth to make a deal.

Former first-round pick, Jake Burger will have an even tougher time getting at-bats at the Major League level with the White Sox. He also could be dangled as trade bait for a starter.

If a team does not want to give up a starting pitcher, both can be used to acquire bullpen help. The White Sox can never have enough bullpen help.

The White Sox cannot stand pat once the lockout is lifted. Well, they can but it will not help improve their chances to win the World Series.

Chicago White Sox are all quiet so far on the free agent front. light. Related Story

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