New White Sox GM says ‘conversations’ continue about trading Cease
For the fourth straight year, there is no SoxFest.
COVID-19 postponed the annual winter gathering for White Sox fans in 2021-22 and it has yet to return with nary an explanation.
Maybe it's because the Sox underachieved in 2023 and lost 101 games last year?
The highlight of SoxFest was always the Q&A session with the general manager. Chris Getz is now in that job after Rick Hahn, and vice president Kenny Williams, were fired on Aug. 22.
In lieu of SoxFest, Getz made himself available to the media on a Zoom call Tuesday. Here are some highlights:
Dylan Cease
The White Sox's only proven starting pitcher has been the subject of trade rumors since the 2023 season ended.
The Yankees and Orioles appear to be the frontrunners for Cease, who finished second in American League Cy Young Award voting in 2022 (14-8, 2.20 ERA) before dropping to 7-9, 4.58 last season.
Given the intense demand for top-end starters, Getz likely wants two or three premium prospects for Cease. As an added bonus for interested teams, the 28-year-old righty is durable and Cease is also under contractual control for the next two seasons.
“We've had conversations about Dylan Cease, but I also know that we're not going to move a player like Dylan or anyone else unless we feel like we're going to benefit,” Getz said. “It's got to be right for all parties.”
Given all his attributes, it's no surprise Cease has attracted so much interest.
“He’s always preparing for what’s ahead of him,” Getz said. “I will say he’s fairly unique in how he does not get distracted and that’s what makes him a special pitcher, and a pitcher that could pitch for any club in any city. That’s why his value is so high.”
Garrett Crochet
Even with Cease in the rotation, the Sox still need more impact starters.
Crochet has the potential, and he's heading into spring training with a chance to earn a starting job.
“The feedback on Garrett has been very positive and he’s preparing this season to be a starter,” Getz said. “It’s something he has done in the past. He has the weapons to do so. He has had some health hiccups along the way. Physically, he’s in a very good spot. He believes he can be a starter. So we are going to go into spring prepared to stretch him out and we’ll make adjustments along the way if need be.”
The White Sox's first-round draft pick in 2020 out of Tennessee, Crochet made a quick jump to the major leagues and pitched out of the bullpen for two years before missing the 2022 season recovering from Tommy John surgery.
Last year, a shoulder injury limited the left-hander to 13 relief appearances and 12.2 innings.
Right field
As is stands now, Oscar Colas is ticketed to open the upcoming season with Class AAA Charlotte following a forgettable rookie year with the Sox.
That leaves Gavin Sheets, and possibly the injury-prone Eloy Jimenez, as the top options in right field. As spring training nears, is Getz eyeing outside candidates?
“We are looking to add,” he said. “We have some internal candidates but we aren’t ready to establish who is going to be in right field at this point.”