Chicago White Sox fans are mad.
They were clearly the best team in the AL Central in 2020 and 2021, and looked poised to extend that in 2022.
To their surprise and that of their fans, the Sox slumped to a 81-81 finish amid an aging manager, some injuries, and a failure to improve by some of the prospects and key players.
The offseason came along and supporters were hopeful for better times.
Tony La Russa stepped away and the team brought in Pedro Grifol to be the manager.
Besides a move or two, however, the front office has failed to bring in impactful free agents who could help the team take a step forward.
This week, The Athletic ranked every team’s offseason, and guess where the White Sox were?
Dead last.
According to a White Sox reporter, the grade – an F – was very much deserved.
“The Athletic gave the Chicago White Sox an F grade for their off-season. They are the only team in the league to receive such a grade. When you do almost nothing to improve, that’s the grade you deserve,” Vinnie Parise tweeted.
The Athletic gave the Chicago White Sox an F grade for their off-season.
They are the only team in the league to receive such a grade.
When you do almost nothing to improve, that’s the grade you deserve.
— Vinnie Parise (@VinnieParise) January 31, 2023
The White Sox brought in left fielder Andrew Benintendi and pitcher Mike Clevinger.
But they lost Jose Abreu (a former MVP), they still have a huge hole at second base, and player development seems to be an issue, especially on the position player side.
To make matters worse, their All-Star closer has received an unfortunate health diagnosis and Clevinger is under investigation by Major League Baseball following allegations of domestic violence and child abuse.
It has been a nightmarish offseason for Chicago, who seem destined for third place before a ball is even thrown.
NEXT: Tim Anderson May Deserve A Spot Among The Elite
