Entering 2023, the Chicago White Sox had high expectations. They had a talented young roster, new big-ticket free-agent addition Andrew Benintendi, and a new manager in Pedro Grifol who appeared better suited to maximize that talent.
It did not go according to plan. Not even close.
The White Sox, once again, dealt with an abundance of injuries. They immediately fell to the bottom of the American League Central and remained there, resulting in an epic sell-off at the trade deadline that included shipping out Lucas Giolito, Jake Burger, Reynaldo Lopez, Lance Lynn, Joe Kelly, Keynan Middleton and more.
After the trade deadline, team owner Jerry Reinsdorf conducted an internal investigation and decided to part ways with general manager Rick Hahn and team president Kenny Williams. A little over a week later, the team hired Chris Getz – who was previously the team's assistant general manager – as its next general manager.
The move sparked confusion around the league, with many wondering why the White Sox hired Getz instead of talking to external candidates to gather information on how other organizations operate.
Alas, here the White Sox are entering another pivotal offseason. Here are three things that the team needs to do.
White Sox Rumors: Grading the top 3 items on Chicago's 2024 wish-list
Determine the fate of manager Pedro Grifol
With Getz now at the helm, he must decide what to do with Grifol. And all indications, at least as of this writing, are that the team plans to move forward with Grifol as manager.
But there is no doubt that Grifol will be on the hot seat entering 2024. At 55-88, the White Sox were among the most disappointing teams in baseball this season. They struggled in all facets of the game. They had Keynan Middleton expose the team's clubhouse culture, which other players confirmed, and show just how far the team is away from being a contender – both on and off the field.
It's critical for Grifol to improve that in 2024. If he doesn't, he likely will be on the way out with Getz picking his own manager. But it does not appear that Grifol is in danger of losing his job headed into the 2023-2024 offseason.
The chances Grifol stays: 9/10
Figure out how to improve the White Sox's clubhouse culture
Improving the internal culture, especially in the clubhouse, should be the White Sox's top priority. It's essential for the team if they want to get back into contention on an annual basis.
But doing so will not be easy. Take a look at Middleton's comments to ESPN:
"We came in with no rules," Middleton said. "I don't know how you police the culture if there are no rules or guidelines to follow because everyone is doing their own thing. Like how do you say anything about it because there are no rules? You have rookies sleeping in the bullpen during the game. You have guys missing meetings. You have guys missing PFPs (pitcher fielding practices), and there are no consequences for any of this stuff."
Perhaps that is part of the reason why the White Sox had interest in trading for Salvador Perez at the trade deadline, a veteran player who is universally respected, has experience working with a young pitching staff, and is clearly familiar with Grifol having worked alongside one another in Kansas City. Perhaps they explore that again, but at this point, adding an aging catcher – even one like Perez – may not be the right move, especially if the Royals seek top prospects in trade conversations.
Avoid big-ticket additions in free agency, trade talks
The White Sox should be wise spenders in the offseason. Stay out of the pursuits for big-name players such as Shohei Ohtani and the other high-end players and instead pursue emerging, high-character, young players on short-term contracts.
Perhaps they could do that via trade. They could do it via free agency. They can get creative in doing so and should do it when it comes to both starting pitching, bullpen and offensive additions.
Because the White Sox need everything. They are a long way away from contending. And staying away from aging veteran players – and instead targeting players that they can build around or even flip at the trade deadline in 2024 for future assets – figures to be what gets them back into contention the quickest.
They just can't rush it or force any additions. Otherwise they'll end up where they are now: at the bottom of the division with no sign of contention in sight.