2018 White Sox roster: Locks, good bets and long shots
Potential ace will benefit from 2017 experience.
(Charlie Riedel / AP) By Chris Kuc
Chicago Tribune
Barring a major signing or trade, the White Sox opening-day roster will be made up of players already in play. The starting rotation appears set while there are several options for the restructured bullpen.
Right-hander brought back to eat up innings.
(Nam Y. Huh / AP)Expected to be ready for camp after elbow surgery.
(Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune)Further development of changeup will be key.
(John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune)Found groove late in ’17 after adjusting arm angle
(Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune)Former Royals righty likely to get first crack at closer role.
(Tony Dejak / AP)Free-agent signee should handle bulk of catching.
(Julie Jacobson / AP)Anchor of lineup is an offensive powerhouse.
(Nam Y. Huh / AP)Looking to bounce back after roller-coaster ’17.
(Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune)Expectations soaring after strong finish in ’17.
(Charles Krupa / AP)Leading candidate to start at third base.
(Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune)Brimming with confidence after All-Star season.
(Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune)Nearly a lock, left-hander will help solidify bullpen.
(Alex Gallardo / AP)Right-hander went 3-1 with a 3.86 ERA last season.
(Kamil Krzaczynski / AP)Went 2-1 with a 3.13 ERA for Sox in ’17.
(Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune)Had nine saves in stint as Sox closer.
(Mike Stone / AP)Close call between Smith and Omar Narvaez.
(Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune)Power potential should lead to roster spot.
(Jose M. Osorio / Chicago Tribune)Likely to get first crack at left field.
(Matt Marton / AP)Terrific fielder needs to make more contact at plate.
(Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune)26-year-old is versatile and has some pop in his bat.
(Jose M. Osorio / Chicago Tribune)Right-hander appeared in 57 games with Sox last season.
(Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune)Left-hander made 30 appearances for Sox in ’17.
(Mike Stone / AP)Forearm strain limited lefty to three innings with Rays.
(Chris O’Meara / AP)Had 4.20 ERA in combined 52 games with Rays and Sox.
(Orlin Wagner / AP)Right-hander had 37 saves for the Phillies in 2016.
(Derik Hamilton / AP)Former Cubs reliever pitched in Japan last season.
(David Zalubowski / AP)Left-hander appeared in two games with Jays in ’17.
(John Raoux / AP)Flamethrower is Sox’s top pitching prospect.
(Lou Foglia / Chicago Tribune)Hard-thrower went 1-3 with a 10.91 ERA for Tigers.
(Patrick Semansky / AP)Right-hander was claimed off waivers from the Padres.
(Charlie Riedel / AP)30-year-old was 1-3 with a 4.43 ERA with the Brewers.
(Derik Hamilton / AP)Can regularly hit triple digits with fastball.
(Elaine Thompson / AP)Struggled during time in bullpen last season.
(Jim Mone / AP)Set to battle Kevan Smith for backup catcher job.
(Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)Former first-round pick by Rays has pop in his bat.
(David Goldman / AP)Injuries helped lead to disastrous ’17 (.178, 0 homers).
(Chris Carlson / AP)Big potential if he can overcome back injury.
(Morry Gash / AP)Batted .238 with two homers and 12 RBIs with Sox.
(Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune)Matter of when — not if — Sox’s top prospect reaches majors.
(Charles Rex Arbogast / AP)Could provide power from left side of plate.
(David Goldman / AP)Key piece of blockbuster trade with Yankees.
(Lenny Ignelzi / AP)Oft-injured center fielder needs to prove he can stay healthy.
(John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune)Chris Kuc has been the Chicago Blackhawks beat reporter for the Chicago Tribune since 2007 and during that time has covered the NHL team’s two Stanley Cup championships — and everything in between. Before being assigned the Blackhawks beat, Kuc had myriad jobs at the Tribune, including High School Sports editor, copy editor, design editor and more. Kuc began his Tribune career while still in high school and recently celebrated 30 years at the paper. When he isn’t covering hockey, Kuc enjoys spending time with his family and also losing golf balls at courses throughout Chicagoland.