When it comes to the MLB Playoffs, the Chicago White Sox have been on the outside looking in since 2008. But 2020 could be different. A shorter regular season – 60 games instead of the usual 162 – presents opportunity for those considered in the middle of the crowded pack. Some of them will emerge. After all, all it takes is one hot midseason run for an underdog to reach the postseason. From there, anything can happen.

The White Sox can be that team in the American League.

At +3000 in the latest World Series odds Chicago is definitely on the fringe of contender status. Here’s why the White Sox are worth backing now before their MLB odds shrink.

Building Around Abreu

To say the White Sox haven’t been part of many postseason conversations over the last decade would be an understatement. In fact, forget the last decade, the last century the South Siders have played second fiddle. They’ve advanced to the postseason six times since the Black Sox threw the 1919 World Series.

But these Sox made a nice jump in 2019 and followed it with a fantastic offseason.

They started it by adding the best catcher on the market in Yasmani Grandal, and big-time slugger Edwin Encarnacion, who has tallied at least 32 HRs and 100 RBIs in six of the last eight seasons. Perhaps most importantly, the Sox locked up Jose Abreu, who led the AL with 123 RBIs. The supporting cast around him has improved.

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A Mound Of Depth

On the pitching side, Lucas Giolito was an AL Cy Young contender early on in 2019 before fading. In first eight starts, he allowed a combined six runs and struck out 65. This season isn’t long enough for a fade. If he gets off to a start remotely close to that, he’s an ace in 2020.

Starting depth was an issue on the South Side, but the addition of former NL Cy Young winner Dallas Keuchel, plus veteran Gio Gonzalez, changes that.

The White Sox are going to need to find another starter to step up. Reynaldo Lopez took a big step backward in 2019 after being reliable the season before, and Dylan Cease was roughed up as a rookie last year, but he was a prized top prospect in the minors and should benefit from Grandal behind the dish.

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White Sox 2020 World Series Outlook

The White Sox have been an afterthought in the American League for too long. But that could change right now, especially in a short season. If the pitching can hold its own, the offense is going to score runs. From there, Chicago puts the ball in the hands of Giolito, Keuchel and a strong bullpen unit. The piece are in place to make a World Series run right now. Bet on the White Sox with DraftKings:

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