MLB

Like a college student who crams for a test he knows he will fail, the Chicago White Sox have created some artificial hope this offseason with a few creative moves.

The team was almost obligated to double down on a disappointing 2015 season in which the organization thought itself equipped to make a World Series run. It finished the 2015 campaign with a paltry 76-86 record.

This season?

With the 2016 Major League Baseball season getting closer every day, it's a good time to talk about some offseason losers.

Fortunately, not that many teams across the MLB landscape fit this particular bill. Many players have changed addresses this winter, and many teams have gotten in on the action. It's been an offseason of winners much more than it's been an offseason of losers.

Dominant pitching is still the most valuable weapon in contending for a World Series title, but with offense down around the league, having a potent lineup can go a long way as well.

Just how valuable is a good offense?

The four teams that reached the League Championship Series last season—the Blue Jays, Cubs, Mets and Royals—ranked in the top eight in the league in runs scored during the second half of the season.

Finally, after much delay, Chris Davis and Justin Upton are off the board, but Yoenis Cespedes has yet to escape his winter purgatory as the MLB offseason draws to a close.

Based on some puzzling comments from the New York Mets' top decision-maker, it doesn't sound like a return to Citi Field is in the works. But there is a real chance that Cespedes could remain in the National League East in 2016.

Free-agent center fielder Austin Jackson is garnering interest from at least three major league clubs.

Continue for updates.

Jackson Getting Interest in Free Agency

Thursday, Jan. 21

ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick reported the Milwaukee Brewers, Texas Rangers and Los Angeles Angels are interested in the athletic Jackson, who batted .267 in 2015.

Chris Davis met with reporters Thursday for the first time since signing the richest deal in Baltimore Orioles history, per the Associated Press' David Ginsburg.

Boston Red Sox third baseman Pablo Sandoval, nicknamed "Kung Fu Panda," has long drawn attention due to his weight. It rarely got in the way of his performance on the field, but Sandoval's first season of a five-year, $95 million deal with the Red Sox was the worst of his eight-year career. 

Chicago White Sox middle reliever Matt Albers has signed a one-year, $2.25 million contract to return to the team for the 2016 season, according to Dayn Perry of CBS Sports. According to Fox Sports' Ken Rose

The Milwaukee Brewers could be dealing outfielder/third baseman Ryan Braun at some point this offseason. 

Continue for updates.

Market Nonexistent For Braun

Thursday, Jan. 21

MLB Network's Jon Heyman reported on Thursday that there is "not much trade action" on Braun so far, as the team is first focusing on other players, such as catcher Jonathan Lucroy.

Major League Baseball is exploring the possibility of making the designated hitter a staple of the National League as soon as 2017, according to Newsday's David Lennon.   

Continue for updates. 

MLB Will Explore DH During CBA Negotiations

Thursday, Jan. 21

Commissioner Rob Manfred reportedly said the idea is "gaining momentum," per Lennon.