With the 2023 MLB season just around the corner, baseball fans in Chicago are excited to see what the White Sox and Cubs have in store. Both teams have undergone significant changes in the off-season, and fans are hoping for a successful year on the field. Let’s take a closer look at the main storylines for both teams.
Changes to rules and scheduling
One of the significant changes to the upcoming season is the implementation of new rules to speed up the game and increase offense. The balanced schedule, with all 30 teams playing each other, is another change expected to make games more exciting. With these changes, fans can expect a different-looking game that could benefit some players more than others.
Predictions for the White Sox
The White Sox head into the 2023 season as one of the favorites to win their division, but their finish is far from predictable. While they have the best overall talent in the AL Central, many believe that Cleveland Guardians have a better team. Nevertheless, they made important free-agent signings in OF Andrew Benintendi, RHP Mike Clevinger, and SS Elvis Andrus.
Adding Andrew Benintendi gives their lineup a much-needed left-handed bat and improves their defense. Eloy Jiménez is one of the players to watch this season after a strong performance during spring training. Yasmani Grandal is another player who should be closely watched since he will be impacted by the new rules.
Lucas Giolito is in his walk year, and he has the most to lose or gain depending on his performance this season. Joe Kelly is also expected to bounce back this season and could pick up a few saves. Yasmani Grandal and Yoán Moncada are likeliest to outperform their fantasy draft rankings.
Rookie Oscar Colás is expected to take hold of the right field job despite having no major-league experience. The White Sox farm system is ranked at No. 28, with Colson Montgomery as the No. 1 prospect who has shown advanced plate discipline and bat-to-ball skills.
Potential breakout performers for the Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox finished last in the AL East in 2022 after reaching the American League Championship Series in 2021. The team is looking to rebound and improve its performance in the upcoming season by relying on new players.
The NESN Digital staff was asked who they thought would be the breakout performer for the Red Sox in the 2023 season. Nick Pivetta, RHP, could stabilize the rotation by providing consistency. Brayan Bello, RHP, showed potential in his rookie season and is expected to improve. Adam Duvall, OF, could provide much-needed power to the outfield after a wrist injury.
Chicago baseball teams return to action
The return of baseball season is always exciting for fans, and this year’s World Baseball Classic provided an energy boost to the tedious spring-training slog. However, baseball still comes with unwritten rules and gatekeeping that keeps it from reaching its full potential.
The WBC was cool, fun, and colorful and a reminder of how global the game is. For Chicago baseball teams, things will look and feel different this season. The Cubs have reshaped their team to be built on run prevention and have the pieces to be one of the best defensive teams in baseball.
The Cubs are relying on being strong up the middle. Meanwhile, The White Sox realize that they missed out on opportunities over the last two years and want to pay back a debt this season. They built their camp on an intense attention to detail since they understand they have talent but yet to prove they can win games in margins.
Much hinges on the Sox keeping their best players on the field since injuries have been a problem in recent seasons. Tim Anderson’s impact on the Sox has been significant, and his leadership is critical for the Sox to thrive.
In conclusion, with the 2023 MLB season about to start, Chicago baseball fans are eager to see what their favorite teams have in store. With significant changes to rules and scheduling and potential breakout performers, it promises to be an exciting season. Fans are hopeful that both teams can overcome any challenges they may face and make it a memorable year on the field.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
