The Chicago White Sox cruised to an American League Central title in 2021, but they hit a wall in the division series, falling to the AL West champion Houston Astros. in four games
Chicago has a young core of budding stars, so don't be surprised if the Pale Hose are back in October again next year -- and perhaps advance further than they did this year. Bradford Doolittle takes a look at where the White Sox stand and answers three key questions for the club moving forward to 2022 and beyond.
Chicago White Sox
Notable free agents: Carlos Rodon, Leury Garcia, Ryan Tepera (Note: The White Sox hold club options on RP Craig Kimbrel and 2B Cesar Hernandez for the 2022 season that are likely to be exercised.)
Trade candidates: Jake Burger, Andrew Vaughn
Extension candidates: Michael Kopech, Tim Anderson, Lucas Giolito
1. Is Tony La Russa the right manager to lead this club where it wants to go?
When the White Sox shocked just about everyone by bringing then-76-year-old Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa out of retirement to lead a young, emerging club, he inked a multiyear contract. So. how did that work out?