DENVER — With the Chicago White Sox entering Saturday's game against the Colorado Rockies with a 48-74 record, it's clear some changes need to happen on the South Side.
While the White Sox are not in the bottom of the American League Central (that dubious honor belongs to the Kansas City Royals), they're also nowhere near the top of what is a very mediocre division. That doesn't spell success for first-year manager Pedro Grifol or a team that just captured the AL Central two short years ago.
Chicago sold big-time at the MLB trade deadline as part of a roster turnover, and it's clear more changes will need to happen for the White Sox to get back to being competitive. That includes some changes that could happen this offseason when it comes to Chicago's choices regarding which free agents to jettison or bring back.
Chicago White Sox: Bryan Shaw is a free agent to let go
Signing as a free agent to a minor league contract with the White Sox in early May, it's clear that Shaw's best years are behind him. The 35-year-old right-hander has already been designated for assignment once this season by the White Sox, and it's clear he is not a part of their plans for next season.
While Shaw has pitched to a 3.38 ERA in his 8.0 innings in August, striking out 10 during that time frame, the consistency just isn't there from the days when Shaw's cutter was among the most lethal pitches in the game. Chicago can find younger and better in the bullpen.
Chicago White Sox: Yasmani Grandal is a free agent to let go
In the final year of a four-year, $73 million deal, the 34-year-old catcher is slashing just .237/.312/.353 in 349 plate appearances this season. While those numbers are not impressive, they are better than the .226/.346/.381 slash line he has posted since inking his deal on the South Side.
While having a catcher that is a true offensive presence is rare in today's game, Grandal has been very average in Chicago, posting a 102 OPS+ during his time with the team. That's lower than in his previous stops in Los Angeles, Milwaukee and San Diego.
Coming off an All-Star appearance with the Brewers in 2019, it appeared that Grandal would be a good fit for the White Sox. Even in the team's postseason appearances in the pandemic-shortened season of 2020 and the division championship season of 2021, Grandal went just 4-for-24 at the plate. However, three of those hits were home runs if you're looking for the silver lining.
Knowing the rotation will likely be rebuilt around Dylan Cease in 2023, it's a good time to find a new catcher to help those pitchers along. Grandal should not be a part of the team's plans next season.
Chicago White Sox: Tim Anderson is a free agent to let go
We are slightly bending the rules here since the White Sox have a team option in place for the 2024 season and, if it is executed, Anderson would be back with the team in 2024 for $14 million. There is a $1 million buyout in place for that contract, per Cot's Contracts, so it makes sense that the White Sox would exercise that side of the equation after what has been a tumultuous season for the All-Star shortstop.
It remains to be seen what kind of impact Anderson will have in late August and September after he returns from his MLB-mandated suspension following a much-publicized melee between the White Sox and Cleveland Guardians. However, unless it is a marked change in both attitude and production on the field, it would make sense for the White Sox to try to save the money and renegotiate a deal with Anderson that could be longer term and less money if they indeed want him back.
To bring him back at that price while posting minus-1.7 bWAR this season and posting an OPS+ of 58 while hitting just one home run in 370 at-bats makes no sense.
The White Sox will likely roll the bones on Anderson's down season and incidents, including one reportedly in the clubhouse with Grandal, on other teams backing away from him and looking to come in at a lower price. It's part of the business of baseball, and Anderson is about to be a case study in the subject.
Chicago White Sox: Elvis Andrus is a free agent to bring back
There is a lot to be said for veteran leadership on a team that has had so much turmoil, and the soon-to-be 35-year-old Andrus is a good player to have as a cornerstone as the White Sox transition into a new era.
After signing as a free agent with the White Sox last August, the team brought him back this season on a one-year, $3 million deal. The one-year contract has been more than worth it for Chicago, with Andrus able to move over to shortstop in the absence of Tim Anderson with injuries and his suspension.
While Andrus has slashed just .237/.298/.335, he has also battled an oblique strain this season that cost him around three weeks of action in May. He went on the injured list on May 13 while Anderson was activated from the injured list on May 2. The duo was expected to make up a strong middle infield for the White Sox this season, but have missed plenty of time working together. Like many other things in Chicago, the plan never really came together.
Despite that, Andrus coming back next season in a place where he is appreciated for his leadership and steadiness makes sense as Chicago can use him to be a pillar of what they hope will be a climb back up the division standings.