The Chicago White Sox are clearly in rebuilding mode. They are coming off arguably the worst season in Major League Baseball history, setting the record for most losses in a regular season with 121.
But the rebuilding was supposed to begin years ago. Chicago traded Chris Sale to the Boston Red Sox back in 2016. In return, the White Sox acquired MLB.com’s No. 1 prospect, Yoan Moncada. They also landed prized pitching prospect Michael Kopech.
You might have noticed Kopech helping the Dodgers win the World Series this week. But he did not do much to help Chicago during his time in the Windy City.
On Thursday, it was reported that the White Sox have also decided not to pick up Moncada’s $25 million option year. Instead, he will receive a $5 buyout.
Moncada played eight seasons in Chicago but failed to live up to the hype. In 2019, the former top prospect had a solid season, hitting .315 with a career-high 25 home runs.
The other seven seasons with the White Sox were mostly disastrous. He had numerous seasons hitting under .240 and struck out a league-high 217 times in 2018. He has also dealt with injuries to his back, quad, hamstring, and foot.
At the time of the Sale trade, it appeared the White Sox received great value. The Red Sox, with Sale as their ace, won the 2018 World Series. Meanwhile, the White Sox have got worse and worse.
Despite saving money on Moncada’s awful contract, Chicago is expected to cut payroll further, citing substantial losses in revenue, per Bob Nightengale.
So, it appears there is no light at the end of this tunnel. At least not yet.
