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Offseason Outlook: Chicago White Sox

Brad Rempel / USA TODAY Sports

theScore's baseball editors break down the past year for each team, and look ahead to the offseason.

Free agents: Matt Lindstrom, Felipe Paulino, Michael Taylor

Arbitration-eligible players: Ronald Belisario, Tyler Flowers, Dayan Viciedo, Hector Noesi, Nate Jones, Javy Guerra

2014 payroll: $91,372,340

What went right in 2014?

Jose Abreu exploded onto the scene, producing a team rookie record 36 home runs. The Cuban, who was signed to a six-year, $68-million deal, slashed an incredible .317/.383/.581 to be the easy choice for American League Rookie of the Year honors. The 27-year-old should be one of the most feared hitters in the game for years to come.

Staff ace Chris Sale turned in another impressive campaign, posting a 12-4 record with a 2.17 ERA in 26 starts. The big left-hander missed nearly a month early in the season with a flexor muscle strain in his throwing arm, which may have cost him serious Cy Young consideration. Regardless, Sale is one of the most intimidating hurlers in the majors and his best years are surely still to come.

What went wrong in 2014?

Paul Konerko will always have a special place in the hearts of White Sox fans, but the distraction of his farewell tour may have hindered the team. The veteran appeared in 81 games in his final year before retirement and hit only .207 with five home runs and 22 RBIs. Manager Robin Ventura undoubtedly felt obligated to get Konerko at-bats, especially down the stretch, but his lack of offensive production hurt the squad. Konerko may have lingered one year too long before calling it quits.

Ventura's closer-by-committee approach failed miserably. White Sox relievers blew 21 saves last season, with Jake Petricka, Ronald Belisario and Matt Lindstrom squandering four opportunities apiece. Six different hurlers recorded a save for Chicago, demonstrating the need to establish a clear-cut closer for the 2015 campaign.

Offseason needs

Closer

Ventura didn't have confidence in his bullpen last year, but the good news moving forward is that the free agent market is stacked with reliable late-inning arms. The White Sox will have the ability to dramatically improve their 'pen by signing an established closer.

Top targets

  • David Robertson - The former Yankees closer recorded 39 saves for the Bronx Bombers a year ago and would be a huge upgrade.
  • Francisco Rodriguez - Luring Rodriguez back to the AL could be tricky, but he proved last season (44 saves) he's still a force to be reckoned with in high-leverage situations.
  • Sergio Romo - Romo lost the closer's job to Santiago Casilla last season, but he recovered nicely in the playoffs, allowing just one run in seven innings for the world champs. He's been a mainstay in a Giants bullpen that now boasts three World Series titles in the past five seasons.

Depth starter

The White Sox's bullpen woes are well documented, but the rotation could be beefed up. John Danks, Jose Quintana and Sale will be back in 2015, and super prospect Carlos Rodon could also factor into the equation by the spring. Adding one more cost-effective starter should certainly be on the team's wish list moving forward.

Top targets

  • Ryan Vogelsong - The right-hander has the ability to throw 180-plus innings and is a proven back-end starter.
  • Justin Masterson - The righty is no stranger to pitching in the AL Central and the White Sox could get good value on a contract due to his recent struggles. A potential high-risk, high-reward signing.
  • Jake Peavy - Would the former Cy Young Award winner consider a return to the Windy City? He's a good luck charm after winning consecutive World Series titles.

Impact prospect

Carlos Rodon - The White Sox can hardly wait to roll out their latest weapon after he dominated at the college level. Rodon, 21, was selected third overall in the 2014 draft and has the potential to be the next dominant left-handed pitcher in the bigs. Chicago has bet it all on the North Carolina State product, signing him to a $6,582,000 signing bonus - the largest in club history. He should crack the roster in 2015 and immediately have a huge impact.

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