The Chicago White Sox had a successful 2021 regular season, but the club’s title hopes came to a screeching halt in the ALDS.
The White Sox haven’t advanced past the ALDS round of the postseason since 2005, which is also the last time the organization won the World Series.
Today, it seems like Chicago is just one or two pieces away from taking the next step.
Regular-season success is one thing, but getting the job done in the playoffs is another.
Here are a few players the team could target this offseason in order to take things to the next level.
3. Aaron Loup
Statistically, the White Sox had a fine bullpen in the 2021 regular season, but it imploded in the playoffs.
Chicago’s relievers pitched to a combined ERA of 6.65 in the postseason.
That’s obviously not going to get the job done.
The White Sox should entertain the idea of adding a relief arm this offseason, and Aaron Loup comes to mind as a candidate.
The lefty had a fantastic 2021 season, pitching to a tiny 0.95 ERA over 65 appearances.
The veteran also posted a 2.45 FIP and 0.94 WHIP.
Aaron Loup, Wicked 86mph Cutter…and Sword. 🤢⚔️ pic.twitter.com/CAnahIYZ9N
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) August 15, 2021
He would instantly make Chicago’s bullpen better, and he’d open up some really interesting possibilities when it comes to managing the late innings of games.
The market for Loup will likely be very competitive, so don’t be surprised if a number of teams end up getting tossed around as potential landing spots for him.
We’ll see if the White Sox get involved.
2. Carlos Rodon (Re-Sign)
Carlos Rodon was one of the best starting pitchers in baseball in 2021, and the White Sox were the beneficiaries.
He pitched to a 2.37 ERA, 2.65 FIP, and 0.96 WHIP over 24 starts.
He earned an All-Star selection and finished the year with a bWAR of 5.0.
Rodon’s success in 2021 was a pretty big surprise considering how he had performed in previous seasons — he entered the 2021 campaign with a career ERA of 4.14.
Obviously, he exceeded expectations, but here’s the big question: Was it lightning in a bottle?
That’s what the White Sox have to decide.
If they feel like he has turned a corner for good, then the team should do everything in its power (within reason) to retain him.
The southpaw has spent his entire MLB career with Chicago to this point.
1. Nick Castellanos
The White Sox could really use some outfield help, and Nick Castellanos could be the perfect guy to fill the void.
Castellanos would be a flashy addition for Chicago.
He’s coming off of an incredibly impressive 2021 season in which he was one of the top offensive players in baseball.
He slashed .309/.362/.576 over 138 games and earned his first career All-Star selection.
The 29-year-old racked up 34 home runs, 38 doubles, a triple, and 100 runs batted in.
Nick Castellanos 435 feet BOMB. #Reds pic.twitter.com/ATkmG27Bye
— Reds Daily (@RedsDaily4) August 26, 2021
He finished the year with an offensive bWAR of 4.0.
No one really saw this coming from Castellanos, but he’s suddenly one of the most desirable bats available this offseason.
Will the White Sox get involved in the sweepstakes for him?
We’re going to find out.
NEXT: 2 Top Contenders To White Sox In The AL Central