White Sox officially sign Adam LaRoche for 2 years

Aug 24, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals first baseman Adam LaRoche (25) bats against the San Francisco Giants at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

It finally became official this week, but the Chicago White Sox have signed first baseman/designated hitter Adam LaRoche to a two-year contract.

In a press release on this week, the White Sox had to following to say about LaRoche in a statement from General Manager Rick Hahn:

"“Adam’s signing addresses several important needs for our club heading into the 2015 season. He provides a proven left-handed bat in the middle of our lineup, brings a valuable mix of the ability to get on base and power, and he is a veteran leader on the field and in the clubhouse.”"

Like I’ve said before in an earlier article, I have no problem with this move, because LaRoche can still hit the baseball well, and now he’ll stay fresher because it is said he’s only going to play the field a couple times per week.

Next: Chicago White Sox: Scott Carroll designated for assignment

That schedule also gives Jose Abreu a chance to just have at-bats two times per week as a designated hitter (when LaRoche is playing first base), and a break from the field.

I consider that a win-win for both players, especially as Abreu continues to get used to the MLB grind that is a 162 game regular season schedule.

The left-handed batting LaRoche, who has played the past four seasons with the Washington Nationals, had 21 home runs last season, and batted .280 with 76 RBIs just against right-handed pitching. For the season in ’14, LaRoche batted .259 with 26 home runs and 92 RBIs.

The release from the White Sox also says of LaRoche:

"“He has recorded 20 or more home runs eight times in his career, 30-plus doubles six times and 100 RBI twice. LaRoche also owns a .995 fielding percentage at first base.”"