White Sox cutting payroll could be entirely organic

The Chicago White Sox will see plenty of changes this offseason. One of those changes will involve their payroll.

According to Bob Nightengale from USA Today, the White Sox plan to reduce payroll, pointing to their "substantial losses in revenue" this season. The White Sox average attendance has dropped by nearly 4,000 fans from last season as they look toward the end of the season.

The White Sox rank 18th in payroll, owing just over $134 million for 2024 per Spotrac. Impending free agents such as pitchers Mike Clevinger and Michael Soroka will reduce their financial obligations. Third baseman Yoan Moncada's $25 million team option is unlikely to be picked up, resulting in a $5 million buyout. Catcher Max Stassi, who has appeared in just five minor league games over the past two years due to hip injuries, will receive a $500,000 buyout with his $7.5 million salary coming off the books. 

Departing veterans will not be the only way the White Sox reduce payroll. MLB.com projects that three of their top four prospects — pitchers Noah Schultz and Hagen Smith and catcher Edgar Quero — are expected to make their major league debuts next season. Other prospects such as pitchers Jairo Iriarte and Ky Bush have already debuted. 

The White Sox also do not have many players under contract going forward. Outfielders Andrew Benintendi and Luis Robert Jr. are the only players with guaranteed money next year and are due a combined $32.1 million. Another 10 players are eligible for arbitration but it is unlikely that they all receive a contract offer. 

The White Sox may sign several low-cost free agents as reclamation projects; however, next year should be dedicated to seeing what they have in their younger players. Cutting payroll will happen organically as the White Sox look for building blocks for the future.