Chicago White Sox Roster
- AL Central
- Stadium
- Guaranteed Rate Field
Although the Chicago White Sox "need another starter," according to pitching coach Ethan Katz, he doesn't believe "starting is in the cards" for left-hander Garrett Crochet (elbow) next season. However, Crochet could serve as a multi-inning reliever. It's not a huge surprise after the 23-year-old southpaw had Tommy John surgery in April of this year. On top of it, he has only thrown 60 1/3 innings in 59 relief appearances in his first two major-league seasons. The good news is that Crochet has been throwing from 120 feet, although it remains to be seen if he'll be ready by Opening Day in 2023. Fantasy managers in single-year leagues will want to avoid Crochet next year.
Chicago White Sox pitching coach Ethan Katz said that right-hander Michael Kopech's (knee) rehab from knee surgery is a bit more gradual than expected, but the team still expects him to be ready for spring training. Kopech will finish at five innings and 85 pitches before his first outing of the 2023 regular season. The 26-year-old also dealt with a right shoulder injury to close out last season, but his knee injury is the one we'll be monitoring closely as spring training approaches. Expect the White Sox to keep a short leash on him early in 2023 as he recovers from the knee procedure. In his first full big-league season in 2022, Kopech went 5-9 with a 3.54 ERA (4.49 FIP), a 1.19 WHIP, 105 strikeouts and 57 walks in 119 1/3 frames over 25 starts.
The Chicago White Sox have reportedly agreed to terms with left-handed pitcher Nate Fisher on a minor league deal, according to a tweet from FanSided's Robert Murray on Tuesday. Also, per Murray's tweet, Fisher will include an invitation to spring training. The 26-year-old made his Major League debut for the New York Mets this past season, allowing two walks and a hit while registering a strikeout in three innings. He previously pitched to a 4.15 ERA in 84.2 innings combined between the Mets' Double-A and Triple-A affiliates, logging 80 strikeouts compared to 34 walks allowed. The left-hander will give the White Sox some additional bullpen depth heading into next season.
Chicago White Sox general manager Rick Hahn said Tuesday during Day 1 of MLB's General Managers Meetings that outfield prospect Oscar Colas could be an in-house option to start at right field, per the Athletic's James Fegan. AJ Pollock declined his $13 million player option Tuesday, opening an outfield spot for the team. Hahn said of the 24-year-old Colas, "But he impressed us last year and is on a real good trajectory to contribute in a meaningful way as soon as next year." Colas played at three minor league levels in 2022, slashing .314/.371/.524 with 23 home runs and 79 RBI in 526 plate appearances. A lot can happen from now until Opening Day, but Colas is a name to remember in both dynasty leagues as well as potentially redraft leagues.
The Chicago White Sox are planning to pick up shortstop Tim Anderson's $12.5 million team option for the 2023 season, as expected. Anderson had a frustrating season in 2022 due to injuries, as he played in only 79 games. However, he was still one of the best shortstops in the league when he was on the field, making his second straight All-Star team while slashing .301/.339/.395 with six home runs, 25 RBI, 50 runs scored and 13 stolen bases in 351 plate appearances. As long as the 29-year-old doesn't completely bomb next season, the White Sox will also likely exercise his $14 million team option for 2024. Anderson should head into spring training next year fully healthy, and he'll be one of the most appealing shortstop options in fantasy drafts.
