https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/50292274/early-2027-season-power-rankings

Years ago, Bill James coined the "Plexiglas Principle": Teams that improve dramatically in one season tend to decline the next season (and teams that suffer a big decline tend to bounce back). While the White Sox have an exciting young core, after a 24-win improvement from 2025 to 2026, they might fall prey to this theory. They're thin on the pitching side of things, and the offense wasn't as good in the second half, as the strikeouts started piling up.

The good news is that general manager Chris Getz has a lot of payroll room to bolster the staff in free agency if that's the direction the franchise chooses. Indeed, it's a long shot, since the White Sox have never signed a $100 million free agent, but making a play for Skubal could be a possible scenario.

Edited 5 hours ago5 hr by caulfield12

3 hours ago, caulfield12 said:

Indeed, it's a long shot, since the White Sox have never signed a $100 million free agent, but making a play for Skubal could be a possible scenario.

I kind of like that Cleveland and Detroit are ahead of them.

Honestly, most Sox fans would be absolutely elated if they added in FA or extensions (Vargas??) half the amount Skubal's going to get in new/offseason commitments...let's say $175-200 million.

The Brewers' biggest moves a year ago were the Cooper Pratt and Luis Lara extensions...and wishcasting Brandon Woodruff for one year.

"Christian Yelich regressed, Brandon Woodruff missed most of the year with shoulder trouble, and trade deadline additions Dustin May and Antonio Senzatela have been complementary pieces at best."

https://www.sportingnews.com/us/mlb/milwaukee-brewers/news/brewers-payroll-breakdown-milwaukee-world-series/fb7325c5b9370e1a2684c644

"The Brewers rank 19th in baseball with a $146.2 million payroll, behind a group of 18 teams that includes the 62-100 Angels, 65-97 Giants and 69-93 Royals."

Edited 1 hour ago1 hr by caulfield12