The Chicago White Sox are the team to beat in the American League Central. But in 2022, they have more than winning the division on their mind. After making the postseason in each of the past two years, the White Sox have World Series aspirations entering this season. There is no doubting the fact that they have a talented roster. But is their current team good enough to go all the way to the Fall Classic?
General Manager Rick Hahn has done a tremendous job of strengthening the ins and outs of the team this offseason. He has added to the bullpen, and kept the offense competitive as well. But Hahn recently proclaimed that the White Sox have one final priority before opening the 2022 campaign. The White Sox are interested in adding left-handed power, since their current lineup features a plethora of right-handed hitting sluggers. With Joc Pederson recently signing in San Francisco, there is one remaining left-handed bat that would make for a tremendous fit in Chicago.
Former Mets outfielder and current free agent Michael Conforto was limited to just 125 games in 2021 but still clubbed 14 home runs and posted a respectable .344 on-base percentage. Had he remained healthy for the full season, Conforto likely would have been a high priority free agent. But his stock plummeted due to his shortened campaign. This is good news for the White Sox because they could potentially sign him at a major discount.
Left-handed power is unquestionably there greatest need, but Chicago also is lacking on true outfielders. Luis Robert is locked in as the every day center fielder, but the corner outfield spots have some question marks. Eloy Jimenez is better suited for a DH role, and Andrew Vaughn is a natural first baseman. Leury Garcia and Adam Engel are decent fielding options but they lack the hitting skills necessary for an every day player. Once again, Conforto would be the perfect fit.
The White Sox are one left-handed bat and one capable outfielder away from not just being the AL Central favorite, but American League favorites. Signing Conforto would allow them to kill two birds with one stone. The other plus for Conforto is that he has a fairly high ceiling. It is realistic that Chicago signs him to a discounted contract and he goes out and smashes 25-30 home runs while getting on base at a quality rate.
Chicago needs to make this happen.
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