White Sox: Can Avisail Garcia Have Repeat Success in 2018?
White Sox outfielder had a career year this past season, but can he have repeat success in 2018 or will he be traded this offseason?
Chicago White Sox outfielder Avisail Garcia was mentioned in trade rumors earlier this week. Coming off a season where he had career-highs in batting average, home runs, and RBIs, Garcia could be traded before the start of next season.
Garcia is reportedly a target of the Oakland Athletics, and Sox general manager Rick Hahn has previously stated no player is untouchable this offseason. However, with Garcia coming off his best season in 2017, can he have repeat success in 2018?
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This past season, Garcia hit .330 with 18 home runs and 80 RBIs. After struggling with the Sox in his first four seasons, Garcia was able to live up to his potential in 2017. Garcia became an All-Star for the first time and was one of a few bright spots for the Sox this year.
According to Scott Merkin of whitesox.com, Sox hitting coach Todd Steverson believes Garcia can build off his stellar 2017 season. Steverson mentioned to Merkin that it will be harder for Garcia going forward as he will be pitched to more carefully. Garcia’s breakout season will certainly open more eyes around the league, and he will need to make adjustments offensively.
"“Going forward, it’s going to be as hard, if not harder, for him on that level because you gain a level of respect from your peers and coaches around the league that say, ‘Hey, this guy made a stride forward. We have to watch out for him and pitch him a little more careful.’ ” Todd Steverson"
The Sox could explore a trade of Garcia this offseason as he has two seasons of team control remaining. With the Sox having many outfield prospects in their farm system, they could look to trade Garcia to give their other youngsters a shot at starting in the majors soon. Also, the Sox might get more value in trading Garcia now than waiting another year to trade him.
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Garcia hasn’t shown he can put together two consecutive quality seasons at the plate in the major leagues yet. He will need to have another solid season offensively in 2018 to prove his 2017 season wasn’t a fluke. If he can do that, he could increase his trade value even more for next offseason.