The Chicago White Sox's approach for the 2025 season emphasizes youth development and strategic roster management. With a decision to utilize Mike Clevinger solely as a reliever, the team is balancing its shaky rotation depth while aiming to maximize trade value. First-year manager Will Venable expresses hope for Clevinger's performance, while also highlighting the team's focus on building a robust roster. Meanwhile, Miguel Vargas stands as a key prospect needing to leverage his impressive minor-league performance to succeed at the big-league level, with significant implications for his career ahead.
When asked about the decision, first-year manager Will Venable had this to say: "Everything looks really crisp, and just hopefully we can continue to give him opportunities to see what it looks like out of the bullpen and hopefully it all lines up."
This season could have big implications for the future of Miguel Vargas. Acquired in the three-team deal with the Dodgers and Cardinals last summer that sent Michael Kopech to Los Angeles, the former top-100 prospect will have the chance to show his minor-league track record can translate to success against MLB pitching.
Fangraphs isn't exactly bullish on Clevinger in the 'pen, either (projected 0.0 fWAR), but given their projections don't show a single Sox reliever being good for even 1.0 fWAR, he'll at least provide a veteran presence if nothing else.
With the focus right now on developing young prospects and maximizing trade potential, bringing back Clevinger as a reliever reflects the team’s strategy for the upcoming season.
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