NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 10: Nick Madrigal #1 of the Chicago Cubs at bat against the New York Yankees during the third inning at Yankee Stadium on June 10, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)
The Chicago White Sox finished their 2021 campaign with a record of 93-69, making them first in the AL Central. Some players have left and are not fairing well since their departure.
The Chicago White Sox had quite the 2021 season. The team finished the season in first place in the AL Central. They ultimately lost 3-1 in their division series matchup against the Houston Astros.
Around the trade deadline, the team attempted to make changes to bolster their club heading into the playoffs, but things didn’t work out as well as they’d hoped in 2021. But the team had high hopes for 2022, though.
However, this season, the team is several games under .500 sitting in third place in the AL Central. Chicago has faced a lot of frustration and calls for the firing of Hall of Famer manager Tony La Russa, who is respected within the clubhouse and by team leadership.
Additionally, players from that team that has moved on have not been very successful with their new teams. Let’s take a look at some of those players having terrible seasons one year removed from being on the White Sox team.
1. Nick Madrigal was traded to the Cubs at the trade deadline
Currently on the 10-day injured list for a groin strain, Madrigal has struggled with the Cubs since his arrival at the trade deadline in 2021.
This season, Madrigal is hitting .222/.263/.250 with an OPS of .513. In 31 games for the Cubs, he has three doubles, zero home runs, eight runs, and two RBI. He has 17 strikeouts and has grounded into four double plays. As the team’s second baseman, he does have three defensive runs saved with a fielding percentage of 1.000.
Madrigal made his major league debut with the Chicago White Sox during the Covid-19 shortened 2020 season. The 25-year-old quickly rose through the White Sox system after he was drafted as the fourth-overall pick in the 2018 MLB Amateur Draft.
Madrigal participated in baserunning drills Saturday in preparation for a return from the injured list. While he hasn’t been what the White Sox or Cubs have hoped for, the Cubs must feel some optimism that he can build up to a player that can help them compete through his defense and ability to get on the base path to score some runs.
It is surprising to see a top draft pick get traded so soon, but maybe the White Sox saw the writing on the wall so soon.