The Chicago White Sox did not have a threatening offense in 2015. They had one of the games top pitching aces and a decent supporting cast, but all too often they couldn’t generate runs to consistently get wins. That tragic formula led to a 76-86 finish and fourth place in the AL Central division.
Given their offensive hardships, one could say the White Sox really aren’t in that bad of shape. If they ever want to catch the world champion Kansas City Royals (95 wins last year), they’ve got some work to do. It’s easy to see how lethargic their offense was with a quick comparison to the game’s most potent offense. The Toronto Blue Jays owned that title last year, putting up a ridiculous 891 runs, while the Sox could muster up just 622.
Here comes the cavalry.
Per reports, the White Sox have finalized a three-team trade that will land them former Cincinnati Reds power hitter Todd Frazier. While not exactly the most efficient batter in the world, last year’s home run derby winner certainly packs a serious punch in terms of the long ball (35 home runs last year) and at 29 years old is still in his prime. Add Frazier to an offensive lineup that already consists of solid players like Melky Cabrera, Adam Eaton and fellow star power hitter Jose Abreu, and there’s a chance the White Sox might have something brewing here.
Frazier won’t cure all that ails Chicago on his own. This is still a team that can’t be done improving on the outside and also needs to figure out a way to get better from within. This is, however, a statement move perhaps, that the Sox are not content with merely being an average team for much longer.
Boasting one of the top strikeout pitchers in the game in Chris Sale, it’s possible the White Sox realize it’s high time they back him with a productive offense. One that can even reach 700 runs in 2016 would go a long way in helping Chicago take a big step forward. Bringing Frazier into town is very much a step in the right direction.
The best part if the White Sox didn’t have to give up much to land a stud hitter. Chicago did lose a few solid prospects in the deal with the Reds and Dodgers (Trayce Thompson, to name one), but overall it was a deal worth making and shows the Sox are serious about building themselves back into contender status.
Think trading for Frazier was a good move? Tell us in the comments below!
