There is no more talk of rebuilding for the Chicago White Sox. For one of the first times since their 2005 Word Series win, the south side of Chicago has something to be excited about. Despite only going 72-89 last year, the White Sox were able to retain the core of their offensive firepower while also adding a couple big bats and arms to bolster their squad. A core of Tim Anderson, Yoan Moncada and Jose Abreu will spearhead this resurgent Chicago squad along with newfound ace Lucas Giolito. With a plethora of newcomers to bolster the young cast, the White Sox will look to get back to the postseason for the first time since 2008. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Contrary to the past few years, the inhouse rebuilding process appears to be complete. The White Sox appear to have signaled as much by hitting the free agent market hard this offseason. They brought in a powerful switch-hitting threat in Yasmani Grandal, who has clubbed at least 22 home runs the past four seasons and had a career-high 77 RBI\u2019s last season. Speaking of big hitters, the White Sox were also able to bring in designated hitting specialist Edwin Encarnacion this offseason on a one-year deal. Encarnacion has hit over 30 homeruns in eight straight seasons and will solidify the position for Chicago in terms of talent and experience. The White Sox needed some pop as they finished eighth in the majors in batting average but were 24th in runs scored and 25th in home runs. To strengthen the starting staff, the White Sox added talented veterans Dallas Keuchel and Gio Gonzalez to give them solid supporting staff to Giolito. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The White Sox improving roster will be able to win the American League Central. Chicago is still behind the Minnesota Twins and Cleveland Indians to take the division crown, but the Southsiders have a chance to be the dark horse. Minnesota had a record-setting season last year but they could still be setting themselves up for disappointment if they believe they can\u2019t recreate that success. The Indians dominated the division from 2019-2019, but with Francisco Lindor on his way out the door and outspoken Mike Clevinger recovering from knee surgery, the division could be ripe for the White Sox taking. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The White Sox efforts are on their way to a very underachieving year. That probably means somewhere right at or just below .500. Their expectations are above that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While most believe the Southsiders are in line for their best season in some time with returning stars in Anderson, Moncada, and Giolito leading the newcomers, there are still plenty of question marks on this team. There is no guarantee that Anderson and Moncada will be able to repeat their success as they finished first and third in batting average last season. As for Giolito, he is about as an unproven ace as they come as he\u2019s had just the one good, albeit All-Star campaign. There is also no telling whether free agents will be able to produce in a new situation. The Sox will need a perfect blend of these factors to take the next step forward, and if a couple of these are unsuccessful, they will be on their way to yet another mediocre season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Get the latest MLB baseball odds and information–follow BetOnline.ag on Twitter<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n