With the Phoenix temperatures still lingering around 80 degrees, general manager meetings are beginning to heat up down south for the MLB; and there’s big reason to believe Rick Hahn won’t come home without making a splash.

Strong Core

Despite a few disappointing seasons in a row, the White Sox find themselves in an unfamiliar position having a talented young nucleus with tons of money to spend.

Hahn made it clear that he is aware the Sox are fortunate to have budding superstars like Jose Abreu and Chris Sale in their primes, and reiterated that sentiment saying if the White Sox want to win, there’s really no time better than the present.

On contending: “We sit here on the one hand realizing that we have the prime of Chris Sale’s career ahead of us, the prime of Jose Abreu’s career ahead of us and wanting to make sure we’re in a position to capitalize and win within that window. We want to win, we want to win again quickly and we want to win again repeatedly in the coming years. … We still have work to do to continue that process.”

Hahn also said in an interview with MLB Network he believes the Sox are a lot closer than people think, with not only the aforementioned Abreu and Sale, but also the likes of Adam Eaton, Jose Quintana, a healthy Avisail Garcia, and Alexei Ramirez up the middle.

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Dolla Dolla Bills Y’all

Not only do the White Sox have a considerable young core to build around, they also have plenty of money to spend with no obscenely large or looming contracts to worry about.

In fact, as it stands now the White Sox payroll is only $90, 551, 983. That’s surprisingly $442, 517 less than the small ball/market Kansas City Royals. You know, that AL Central team that just made it to the big show?

Given that, the Sox have more money to spend than they have in quite some time, and Hahn reiterated the fact that he and the White Sox have never been afraid to spend some dough.

On free agency: “We aren’t going to be precluded from any single player because of running up against the limits of our payroll. And in terms of the rumors, we’ve always operated under the standpoint that we’re going to be involved in any premium player that’s available, whether it’s via free agency or via trade. In years past some of those free-agent fits may have been a little less realistic because of what their market was going to bear out to be versus what we were able to pay. This year I understand why we’re associated with some of the more higher-profile free agent types.”

So with that being said, let’s take a look at some free-agent targets that the South Siders might do well in looking at.

Free-Agent Fits- Position

Nick Markakis OF (L/L)– The nine-year veteran is expected to re-sign with the Orioles, however it has been reported he is drawing interest from other teams. Considering the White Sox are looking for bullpen help, a starting right handed pitcher, and a left handed bat; it would seem reasonable to assume the Sox are one of those teams.

Billy Butler DH (R/R)– Butler is not a lefty and doesn’t hit for power, but he gets on base and would be a steal from a division rival. The Royals declined his $12.5-million option but have expressed interest in bringing him back, just not for $12 million a year. Butler saw a dip in his numbers last season, but he is still under 30 and would be an upgrade over Viciedo. If the price is right don’t be surprised if the Sox make a run at him.

Norichika Aoki OF (L/R)– Another lefty bat who possesses good speed and can play defense. The Royals don’t seem very interested in re-signing Aoki and are reportedly targeting Tori Hunter. Aoki is seeking a three-year deal.

Melky Cabrera OF (S/R)– Cabrera declined the Blue Jays one-year $15.3 million qualifying offer so he won’t come cheap, but he silently had a great year last season. In 139 games Cabrera batted .301 with 73 RBI’s and 81 runs scored. the Royals are rumored to be targeting him also, so the Sox could sign him as not only an upgrade but to also play keep away.

Free-Agent Fits- Pitching

Andrew Miller RP– Coming off the best season of his career Miller may be exactly what the doctor ordered for a White Sox bullpen that struggled last year. In 62 1/3 innings last season Miller registered 103 strike outs and allowed only 14 earned runs. Sign the kid up Hahn.

Max Scherzer SP– The White Sox are looking for a right handed starting pitcher and there just so happens to be a former Cy Young winner right down the road. No doubt, stealing Scherzer from the Tigers would be a major coup for the Sox, but it would come with a price. The only question here is how much Rick Hahn is willing to spend.

Jon Lester SP– Everyone knows how good the guy is. Also, everyone knows the Cubs and Red Sox are hot and heavy for his services, but why not the Sox? Don’t be surprised if Hahn pulls a rabbit out of his hat.

James Shields SP– As expected “Big Game” James turned down the Royals $15.3 million qualifying offer and is now on the open market. Shields was a huge reason the Royals made it all the way to the World Series in their first postseason appearance in a thousand years, but he’s 33 and will command a big salary. The White Sox can afford him but would the investment be worth it?

Pat Neshek RP– After posting a 1.87 ERA in 67 1/3 innings while earning his first trip to the All-Star game Neshek will likely test the open market and the Sox could be a team with some interest, and why not? Only problem is Neshek is 34.

David Robertson RP– Robertson had a solid season for the Yankees last season posting a 3.08 ERA while fanning 96 in only 64 1/3 innings. The caveat here is Robertson has reportedly stated he wants “Papelbon money.” If you’re looking for a point of reference in 2011 Papelbon signed a four-year $50 million deal with the Phillies, the richest ever for a reliever.

Poised For Success

If everything goes the right way for these White Sox then there could be two Chicago teams poised for a surprising 2015 season.

But, no matter what the Sox are primed for a big offseason and baseball should once again be exciting next year in the Windy City.