LAS VEGAS – With Johnny Cueto likely gone in free agency, Lucas Giolito’s level of effectiveness a question mark after his 2022 dud and Michael Kopech still on the path toward establishing himself as a top of the rotation starter, the White Sox essentially have two anchors in the starting five in 2022 Cy Young finalist Dylan Cease and 35-year-old 2021 Cy Young finalist Lance Lynn.
That’s a fine pillar for a crucial segment of the roster, even with Lynn, who posted a 3.99 ERA in 21 starts after missing the first two and a half months following knee surgery, needing to re-establish his footing as he earns $18.5 million in 2023. Cease was the best starter in the AL besides Justin Verlander.
