It's only a day out from the beginning of the White Sox' playoff run and it's only fitting that this article goes into projecting the postseason roster. There's numerous possibilities as to what general manager Rick Hahn and manager Tony La Russa will do, but there is certainly a lot of depth and that makes things easier on them. The question now is who will be selected. While this article may not be totally accurate as to how the team will be constructed for the playoffs (and the roster will change if the White Sox advance), but it should give an idea of where the team's depth is. That being said, let's take a look at what the roster might look like for the Pale Hose in the postseason.
Rotation
Lucas Giolito
Lance Lynn
Carlos Rodon
Possibly Dylan Cease
In the Division Series round, the rotation is usually consisting of three starters as there are two travel days. That being said, there could be a fourth and that fourth would be Dylan Cease. Cease has pitched well enough in the second half to earn a rotation spot in the playoffs, but with his stuff and a short series, it makes since to have him pitch out of the bullpen. One thing to keep an eye on is Carlos Rodon's health as while he wasn't hurt recently, he didn't have his best stuff and that might've been on purpose. Regardless, if he can't go then Cease gets the nod. Otherwise, it's pretty self explanatory about Lucas Giolito and Lance Lynn with the seasons they've been having.
Bullpen
Dallas Keuchel
Dylan Cease (possibly in rotation)
Aaron Bummer
Garrett Crochet
Liam Hendriks
Craig Kimbrel
Michael Kopech
Reynaldo Lopez
Ryan Tepera
This one was a bit tricky to nail down, but there's likely to be 12 pitchers for the Division Series. That being said, La Russa and Hahn could go with 13 depending on what they do with Keuchel who has pitched so badly that he is likely to be a bullpen arm who could give them long relief innings. That being said, theoretically, this bullpen could stretch out with even Cease, Kopech, Keuchel, Crochet, and Lopez able to go a few innings in long relief giving others like Kimbrel, Tepera, Bummer, and Hendriks some rest if need be. It's a good thing to have. The hope is that Kimbrel can get back to his first half form where he absolutely dominated and if he does that, then this bullpen will be the likeliest reason they advance to the Championship Series. Other pitchers that will be considered are Jose Ruiz, Evan Marshall (if he's healthy enough), Matt Foster, Jace Fry, and Ryan Burr.
Catchers
Yasmani Grandal
Zack Collins
Grandal is the second best catcher in the league and has also just been on an absolute tear at the plate ever since coming off the injured list, so it's a no brainer here. The debate was between Collins and Seby Zavala, but at this point it seems more likely that it will be Collins who will be the backup catcher role here considering he's on the team now.
Infielders
Jose Abreu
Tim Anderson
Yoan Moncada
Cesar Hernandez
Leury Garcia
Gavin Sheets
Danny Mendick
This was pretty obvious who was going to be here as they are all healthy and ready to go. When healthy, Moncada, Abreu, and Anderson can do a lot of damage. The biggest debate here will be who starts at second base as whether Hernandez or Garcia will be the "everyday" man at the position. Hernandez has not hit well since coming over from Cleveland during the trade deadline, but offers great defensive play and that will certainly be a huge advantage. Garcia on the other hand has been hitting very well and considering second base is not a premium position, his hot bat might give him the edge. Garcia also has the ability to play shortstop and third base as well as three outfield positions, so having him on the bench might not be a bad idea. Sheets will play both in the outfield likely platooning with Adam Engel and can play first base and designated hitter, plus he is left handed power off the bench. Mendick should give the Sox another option to come off the bench to play an infield position and some speed, but seems to be the 26th man if they decide to go with 12 pitchers in the first round. Others who will be considered are Romy Gonzalez and Jake Burger.
Outfielders
Adam Engel
Billy Hamilton
Eloy Jimenez
Luis Robert
Andrew Vaughn
This is a very dangerous group of players, but now with Jimenez and Robert back, it makes the lineup so much more deep especially with how well Robert has been hitting of late. Vaughn is most likely going to be the designated hitter, but he might switch positions with Jimenez depending on the pitcher or weather conditions. Vaughn is normally a first baseman, so he can play there too and has played in right field at times in 2021. Engel is likely to platoon with Gavin Sheets in right field with him hitting against southpaws and Sheets hitting right handers, though Engel might be the primary starter in the playoffs. That being said, if Engel is on the bench on certain nights, his speed and defensive abilities will be crucial in late game situations. Speaking of speed and defensive abilities, Hamilton is that as well as he will be a useful bench option in late game situations. One other name to consider will be Brian Goodwin as he has had spent some time with the team this season, but the question will be whether he's healthy enough to go.
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