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2023 White Sox in Review: Reynaldo Lopez

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Besnik Zekiri | Last updated 1/11/24

After a breakout 2022 season, Chicago White Sox starter-turned-high-leverage-reliever Reynaldo Lopez had high hopes for 2023. With All-Star closer Liam Hendriks out for most of the season, many believed that Lopez would successfully take over the closer role until Hendriks returned. But Lopez and most of Chicago's pitching staff struggled mightily in April.

Regardless of the reason for his struggles, Lopez didn't cut it as the team's closer. He converted only four of his first eight save attempts and posted an 8.76 ERA by May 4. However, the righty returned to his 2022 form after shifting out of the closer role.

Resurgence

Similar to the performance of his penmate, Kendall Graveman, Lopez's turnaround after a poor start earned the White Sox trade capital.

Lopez went on a tear from May 5 until the White Sox traded him to the Los Angeles Angels along with teammate Lucas Giolito. In that span, the 30-year-old posted a 2.20 ERA in 28.2 innings across 28 appearances.

The White Sox received two of the Angels' top farmhands, with top-100 prospect Edgar Quero headlining the return. It marked the second time that Lopez and Giolito were traded together as both hurlers came to Chicago at the outset of the White Sox' rebuild.

Finishing Strong

Unlike Giolito, who finished the year poorly, the Dominican hurler pitched well after the move to Los Angeles. With the Halos, who acquired him and Giolito for a playoff push, Lopez posted a 2.77 ERA in 13 innings.

But the Angels' playoff chances faded away, which led to Lopez and Giolito being placed on waivers. The Cleveland Guardians eventually claimed both pitchers.

Like the Angels, the Guardians attempted their version of a Hail Mary that fell short, but it had nothing to do with Lopez's performance. The veteran pitched lights-out with Cleveland, allowing no runs and five hits with 12 strikeouts against four walks over 11 innings.

What's On Tap Next?

After the 2023 season, Lopez became a free agent for the first time. He landed a three-year deal with the Atlanta Braves, where he will join former Sox teammate Aaron Bummer. Chicago dealt Bummer to Atlanta in exchange for five players earlier in the offseason.

The trade to the Angels marked the end of Lopez's seven-year White Sox career that included ups and downs experienced by many MLB pitchers. After some initial success as a starter, Lopez showed promise in a relief role in 2021 before his breakout year in 2022.

Despite not meeting closer expectations in 2023, Lopez has carved out an excellent role as a high-leverage seventh- or eighth-inning reliever.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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