A Bevy of Roster Updates Come in on Trio of Chicago White Sox Key Pieces

With just over two weeks to go until spring training begins, there are roster updates with regards to Dylan Cease, Yoan Moncada and Andrew Benintendi of the Chicago White Sox.

First, on Cease, he's been named the team's Opening Day starter already.

Per Vinne Duber of ALLCHGO.com:

Pedro Grifol and some Sox players were down on the South Side today for an event at a local Boys & Girls Club, got to talk to a few about the upcoming season. Grifol had perhaps the quickest naming of an Opening Day starter in club history. It’s Dylan Cease, unsurprisingly.

Pedro Grifol and some Sox players were down on the South Side today for an event at a local Boys & Girls Club, got to talk to a few about the upcoming season.

Grifol had perhaps the quickest naming of an Opening Day starter in club history. It’s Dylan Cease, unsurprisingly.
— Vinnie Duber (@VinnieDuber) January 26, 2024

That's not surprising, given that Cease is by far the most talented pitcher that the rebuilding White Sox have. However, there has been constant talk about Cease being traded before the season starts. Does this mean that Cease won't be traded? Or is it just a way to limit distractions in spring training?

He's coming off a down year in which he went 7-9 with a 4.58 ERA. He's still one of the elite strikeout artists in the game. He punched out 214 batters in 2023.

Next, on Moncada, who battled back problems a season ago:

Yoán Moncada said he’s feeling good after being bothered by back issues last year. “I’m motivated and excited because I’m healthy. If I’m healthy, I know I can do a lot of good things in the field. I think god has saved something good for me. Hopefully we are going to see that.”

Yoán Moncada said he’s feeling good after being bothered by back issues last year.

“I’m motivated and excited because I’m healthy. If I’m healthy, I know I can do a lot of good things in the field. I think god has saved something good for me. Hopefully we are going to see that.”
— Vinnie Duber (@VinnieDuber) January 26, 2024

Formerly the top prospect in baseball, Moncada has seen his star fade over the last few years. The 28-year-old got just 334 at-bats a season ago, hitting 11 homers with a .260 batting average. He hit 25 homers back in 2019 but hasn't more than 14 since.

And finally, on Benintendi:

Andrew Benintendi focused on getting stronger this offseason, lifting a lot of weights “four or five times a week. Also eating a lot more just to put on a little more weight, which isn’t always bad because it’s fun to eat.”

Andrew Benintendi focused on getting stronger this offseason, lifting a lot of weights “four or five times a week. Also eating a lot more just to put on a little more weight, which isn’t always bad because it’s fun to eat.”
— Vinnie Duber (@VinnieDuber) January 26, 2024

Hopefully that extra strength helps him hit for more power in 2024. In year one of a five-year deal, Benintendi hit just .262 with only five home runs. The White Sox need him to perform much better at the plate if they are going to improve upon a fourth- place finish in the American League Central from 2023.

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