The White Sox have a few needs to address this offseason as they look to improve on their success in 2020. Sure, you’d love a new right fielder and a couple relievers, but there’s no denying that the White Sox need at least one more legitimate starting pitcher for the rotation.
There are two 30-year-old pitchers at the top of most fans’ free agent lists in Trevor Bauer and Marcus Stroman. Both have received the qualifying offer, but they’ll each test the free agent market this offseason. Many White Sox fans view the south side as a perfect fit for Stroman, but it’s become painfully clear that the right-hander isn’t interested and it’s all because of Tony La Russa.
We all saw Rick Hahn trying to fake his excitement as he introduced La Russa as the team’s new manager at the end of October and little did we know at the time that Hahn wasn’t just upset because Jerry Reinsdorf went over his head to make the hire, but the team had just found out that La Russa was being charged with his second DUI.
Chicago White Sox manager Tony La Russa was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence in February and charged with DUI a day before the team hired him, according to court records obtained by ESPN.
News with @pinepaula and @MoynihanCharles: https://t.co/C1lHlik4Zl
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 10, 2020
The initial hiring was blasted by most of the fan base and things certainly aren’t looking any better, as the White Sox are at the center of attention for all the wrong reasons while La Russa hasn’t even managed a single game.
But will La Russa’s actions actually be a factor in free agents not wanting to come to the Sox? For Stroman, the answer seems pretty clear.
Not sure this bodes well for any White Sox pursuit of Marcus Stroman … pic.twitter.com/qvUsLMuzvs
— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) November 10, 2020
No amount of money honestly. Peace of mind is always priority.
— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) November 10, 2020
According to Bob Nightengale, the White Sox have no plans to discipline La Russa let alone entertain the idea of firing him.
Tony La Russa had informed the #WhiteSox about his DUI charge stemming from February arrest, and his job remains secure, officials insist. https://t.co/bYJ0nIA2hu
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) November 10, 2020
Hot start to the offseason for the White Sox.
