What does this rotation look like when the Sox make the playoffs?
Other than Giolito, is there anyone you can point to right now and say "that guy is going to be in the rotation when we make a deep run in the playoffs"? I don’t think you can. Cease has all the potential in the world, but we haven’t seen the results yet. Lopez isn’t there. Prospects are great, but they haven’t proven anything. One thing I can say for sure is that you can’t sit back and expect 4/5 of your playoff rotation in 2021 to be guys that are still in the minor leagues. It could happen, there’s plenty of talent there. Prospects bust, get injured, develop slower than expected (see Giolito).
The Sox absolutely need to invest in some MOR or TOR starters, preferably through Free Agency and not spending draft picks. You don’t worry about blocking prospects, injuries happen and trades can clear a path of necessary. This team has holes, but it also has some great pieces. They have zero outfielders currently (Eloy is a DH). Robert May be your answer in CF, but you still need two corner outfielders. I don’t see Cole coming to the South Side, but the Sox need a Lester type signing to anchor the rotation with Giolito. Kopeck and Cease living up to their potential would be outstanding, but you need 2 studs you can count on and preferably one with playoff experience.
I think there’s potential to burst into the playoff scene with some big acquisitions and key development from the young guys, but they need help in the outfield and the rotation. Now, does Hahn have the balls and the bank from Reinsdorf to get it done? Remains to be seen after last offseason.