The Chicago White Sox are coming off a historically bad 2024 season, setting an MLB record with 121 losses. As they head into the 2025 season, the team has undergone significant changes.
These changes include trading away key players and bringing in new talent. However, experts are divided on whether these moves will translate into a better performance on the field.
Let’s dive into the details and see what the future holds for the White Sox, as well as their competition for the worst record in the league, the Miami Marlins.
The Aftermath of a Record-Loss Season
Last season was a nightmare for the Chicago White Sox, culminating in an MLB record 121 losses. The team has since parted ways with several veterans, including their ace Garrett Crochet, and has not made significant additions in free agency.
This has left the roster filled with young, unproven players. The question now is whether these changes will help the White Sox improve or if they are destined for another dismal season.
Key Departures and New Faces
The White Sox have seen a significant turnover in their roster. Notable players like Eloy Jimenez, Michael Kopech, and Yoan Moncada have either been traded or left in free agency.
The team’s new manager, Will Venable, has a challenging task ahead with a roster that lacks experience. The pitching staff, in particular, is young and untested, with players like Sean Burke, Jonathan Cannon, and Davis Martin expected to carry the load.
Veterans on the Trading Block
With the team in a rebuilding phase, veterans like Luis Robert Jr. are likely to be traded by the mid-season deadline.
Robert, who has shown flashes of brilliance when healthy, could attract significant interest from contending teams. His performance in the first half of the season will be crucial in determining his trade value and the potential return the White Sox could get.
Expert Predictions for the 2025 Season
ESPN MLB experts Buster Olney, Jesse Rogers, and David Schoenfield have weighed in on the White Sox’s prospects for the 2025 season. While opinions vary, there is a consensus that the team will struggle but show some improvement over last year’s disastrous performance.
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Buster Olney’s Take
Olney believes that the White Sox have hit rock bottom and are now beginning a long, slow climb back to relevance. He predicts a slight improvement, estimating the team will finish with a 45-117 record.
Olney highlights the importance of the team’s day-to-day culture improving under new management, which could help them win more games than last season.
Jesse Rogers’ Perspective
Rogers is slightly more optimistic, predicting a 54-108 record for the White Sox. He expects the team to get off to a slow start but improve in the second half of the season.
The debut of top prospect Colson Montgomery and potential contributions from young pitchers like Hagen Smith and Noah Schultz could provide a much-needed boost as the season progresses.
David Schoenfield’s Analysis
Schoenfield points out that it is rare for teams to lose 110 games in consecutive seasons. He predicts the White Sox will improve, finishing with a 56-106 record.
Schoenfield also notes that while the team will be better, they will still struggle significantly compared to the rest of the league.
Who Will Be the White Sox’s Best Player?
There is a consensus among the experts that Luis Robert Jr. will be the team’s standout player, provided he stays healthy.
Robert’s performance will be crucial not only for his trade value but also for the team’s overall success this season. Other players like Mike Tauchman and veterans like Andrew Benintendi and Andrew Vaughn have a lot to prove and could also make significant contributions.
The Potential for Rebuilding
The White Sox are clearly in a rebuilding phase, and their best player in the future is likely to come from their talented prospect base.
Players like Colson Montgomery and young pitchers Hagen Smith and Noah Schultz are expected to play crucial roles in the team’s future success. For now, however, the focus will be on developing these young talents and preparing for a more competitive 2026 season.
Comparing the White Sox to the Miami Marlins
The Miami Marlins are also in the midst of a rebuild and could be the White Sox’s main competition for the worst record in the league.
While the Marlins have a slight edge in pitching, they are expected to trade away key players like Sandy Alcantara, which could further weaken their roster. The experts believe that the White Sox are more likely to finish with the worst record, but the Marlins will also struggle significantly.
Miami Marlins’ Outlook
The Marlins are a year ahead of the White Sox in their rebuild process and have shown some promise on the mound. However, the potential trade of Sandy Alcantara and other key players could leave them vulnerable.
The Marlins’ bullpen is expected to be decent, which might help them avoid the worst record, but they are still likely to be among the bottom teams in the league.
Head-to-Head Comparison
When comparing the two teams, the White Sox appear to be in a worse position. Their roster lacks experience and depth, and they are heavily reliant on young, unproven players.
The Marlins, on the other hand, have a slightly better pitching staff, which could give them a slight edge. However, both teams are expected to struggle, and it will be a close race for the worst record in the league.
Conclusion
The Chicago White Sox are coming off a historically bad season and face an uphill battle in 2025.
With a roster filled with young, untested players and a new manager at the helm, the team is in a clear rebuilding phase.
While there is some optimism for improvement, the consensus among experts is that the White Sox will still struggle significantly.
The Miami Marlins are their main competition for the worst record in the league, but the White Sox are expected to finish at the bottom once again.
For more detailed analysis and expert opinions, you can read the full article on ESPN.
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