GLENDALE, Ariz. — General manager Rick Hahn likes the balance the Chicago White Sox have from an offensive standpoint.

And he believes the Sox have improved defensively and that they’ll be a “headier” ballclub.

He sees having second baseman Elvis Andrus in the clubhouse as beneficial. And while he knows all too well about the injury factor, Hahn likes the flexibility the roster provides, with depth options, if a setback occurs.

“Overall, I like that this group believes what we are capable of accomplishing and wants to prove to the rest of the baseball world that we’re capable of being the team we should be,” Hahn said.

Hahn discussed the upcoming season with the Tribune on Saturday at Camelback Ranch. The conversation took place as the Sox were still finalizing their roster.

Hahn recalled a recent conversation in regards to the optimism every major-league club feels this time of year.

“This year seems different to me,” he said. “This year seems different just from the level of energy, the level of focus and the commitment. Just eager to get going to show that last year was an aberration, that wasn’t who we are and we’re going to be back on track to the team we saw in ‘20 and ‘21 and regain our place among the teams that are contending for championships.

“We know we have something to prove that we belong there, (and) look forward to get going on that.”

The Sox made the playoffs in 2020, falling to the Oakland Athletics in a wild-card series. They won the American League Central in 2021, their first division title since 2008, before losing to the Houston Astros in a divisional series.

The Sox were the popular pick to win the division again last season, but injuries and inconsistencies led to an 81-81 season.

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