White Sox outfielder had a solid first year in the majors this past season. What role will play next season for a team that is still rebuilding?
Chicago White Sox outfielder Nicky Delmonico had a solid first season in the majors in 2017. After having a successful stint with the Sox this past season, Delmonico has the chance to play an important role with the team in 2018. But what role will Delmonico play next season?
The 25-year-old started primarily in left field for the Sox in 2017, but he also started three games at first base. Delmonico played 73 games at third base for Triple-A Charlotte before being promoted to the Sox in August. The 2011 sixth-round draft pick of the Milwaukee Brewers started 11 games for the Sox in 2017 as the designated hitter.
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With Delmonico’s versatility this past season, he could find himself in the lineup for the Sox every day in 2018. Delmonico showed he can play in the outfield, at first base and also be a designated hitter. In his first major league season, Delmonico hit .262/.373/.482 with nine home runs and 30 RBIs in 43 games.
Delmonico had a hot start to his major league career, but he cooled off to end the season. In August, Delmonico hit .307. In the final month of the season, however, he hit just .212 for the Sox. Delmonico hit six home runs in his first major league month but ended 2017 with just three home runs hit in the month of September.
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The Sox will need to address their lack of outfield depth this upcoming offseason. Delmonico could be starting in the outfield to start 2018, or he could be a designated hitter for the Sox. Whatever role Delmonico plays next season, he will get more opportunities to develop at the major league level.