For the past few years, nothing seems to be going as planned at the Chicago White Sox.
In fact, immediately after the trade that sent him to the New York Yankees, reliever Keynan Middleton attacked his former team, alleging that there were no rules or culture at the White Sox.
Another former White Stockings, Lance Lynn, did not deny Middleton’s claim at the time, saying the latter was not wrong.
If things are going so badly in Chicago, it may be because of the lack of leaders within the club. When Luis Robert was asked if the White Sox had point guards inside the lineup, the outfielder had a self-explanatory answer.
I don’t know.
One thing’s for sure, if there is, he’s not one of them, by his own admission to CHGO Sports’ Vinnie Duber.
I don’t see myself as a leader. I try to do my job and be out there and do the things that we all should be doing and maybe be an example to others. But I don’t see myself as a leader.
This certainly partly explains the failures of the team, failures which are repeated year after year.
If a star player, who leads the team in most offensive categories moreover, does not consider himself a leader, who will take the pole? Probably nobody.
The 26-year-old is having a strong season so far in 2023, posting an .894 OPS with 32 home runs, 66 RBIs and 16 stolen bases in 114 games.
However, it is not enough to put numbers on the board. He will have to do more off the field.
