Projecting the Chicago White Sox bullpen

According to FanGraphs they project that right-hander Justin Anderson will be the teams closer for this upcoming season. Last season for the White Sox the 32-year-old Anderson pitched in 56 games with a record of 1-2 with a 4.39 ERA, collecting 57 strikeouts in 53.1 innings. FanGraphs then projects the setup men to be Prelander Berroa (3.32 ERA 19 innings), and Fraser Ellard (3.75 ERA 24 innings).

The rest of the bullpen is then followed by Gus Varland who the White Sox claimed off waivers from the Los Angeles Dodgers back in August. Varland in 26.1 innings of work had an ERA of 3.42 with 27 strikeouts between both the Dodgers and White Sox. Then there is the 30-year-old Steven Wilson who just settled with the Chicago White Sox on a one-year deal for this year to avoid arbitration.

Then there’s newly acquired lefty reliever Cam Booser who the White Sox got in a trade from the Boston Red Sox and figures to be a top option for them. Rounding out the list that FanGraphs has projected are lefty Jared Shuster and right-hander Shane Smith who was taken from the Tampa Bay ray organization in this offseason Rule 5 Draft.

Other potential options on the 40-man roster

Another top option for the Chicago White Sox bullpen will figure to be Penn Murfee who the White Sox got from the Seattle Mariners earlier this offseason. Other potential relievers who are vying for a spot coming out of spring training are Jairo Iriarte, Ky Bush, Jake Eder, to name a few with Tyler Gilbert who was acquired from the Philadelphia Phillies, will also figure to get a look in the bullpen as well as the starting rotation. Even though the Chicago White Sox may be on verge of another 100-loss season, the bullpen could figure to be the silver lining in a season that will certainly have its ups and downs.