2) Clayton Kershaw
There are a couple reasons why Kershaw is not no. 1 on this list. The first being is that the need for starting pitching (hopefully) should be a non-issue. Carlos Rodon, Lucas Giolito, and Reynaldo Lopez will all be in the starting rotation, with Michael Kopech more than likely knocking on the door. There is also the possibility of Chicago obtaining another young stud pitcher such as Francis Martes in a deal centered around Jose Quintana. That being said, when a once-in-a-generation talent like Kershaw hits the open market, you don’t just sit there and do nothing. The White Sox are already set to have one of the leagues best rotations in the upcoming years. Adding Kershaw to that mix? Game over for the rest of the MLB. If you were wondering, Kershaw will be 31 at the start of the 2019 MLB season. With the amount of innings he has racked up the past few seasons, it is possible he could lose some velocity in the future. Even if he does, his pure stuff should be good enough to keep him classified as one of the best pitchers in the league.
The Dodgers window to win is open, but might start to close soon. If they cannot bring a title to L.A within these next two seasons, Kershaw might decide to bounce. What better place to go than a young White Sox team that should be ready to win and that can offer him a huge paycheck?
