The latest indicator that the White Sox rebuild has been heading in a positive direction:
General manager Rick Hahn finished second to Dodgers president Andrew Friedman in voting for MLB Executive of the Year announced Tuesday. The Dodgers won the World Series, and the Sox finished 35-25 with a Wild Card berth in the fourth year of their rebuild.
It was the Sox’ first postseason appearance since 2008.
Last week, Rick Renteria — whom Hahn fired after the season — finished second in American League Manager of the Year voting. Center fielder Luis Robert was second in AL Rookie of the Year voting and Jose Abreu was named MVP.
Abreu, shortstop Tim Anderson and left fielder Eloy Jimenez won Silver Slugger Awards and Robert won a Gold Glove. Anderson, Jimenez and Robert were all signed to long-term extensions well before reaching free agency.
Abreu was also named Sporting News Player of the Year and Hahn was tabbed Executive of the Year by the Sporting News, honors that cover both the AL and NL.
For the MLB Executive award, in its third year of existence, each team cast a vote before the postseason. The Dodgers finished 43-17 en route to their eighth consecutive NL West Division title. Rays GM Erik Neander, who won the award last year, was third.
This was the first winning season for Hahn, who completed his eighth year as senior vice president/GM after serving as Sox assistant general manager for 12 seasons.
On Oct. 29, Renteria was replaced by Tony La Russa.
