White Sox should take a chance on 2017 All-Star that was recently designated for assignment by the Tampa Bay Rays this past weekend.
In a somewhat stunning move this past Saturday, the Tampa Rays designated 2017 All-Star Corey Dickerson for assignment. With the White Sox still in need of another left-handed batter in its lineup for this season, it would make sense for them to take a chance on Dickerson for 2018.
Last season, Dickerson hit .282/.325/.490 in 150 games for the Rays and was selected to his first All-Star Game. He hit a career-high 27 home runs to go along with 62 RBIs. His overall 2.7 WAR was good for fifth on the Rays in 2017. Despite this, the Rays still designated him for assignment shortly after acquiring C.J. Cron from the Los Angeles Angels in a trade this past Saturday.
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There were many people around baseball that were surprised by the Rays decision to DFA Dickerson. Including former Rays superstar Evan Longoria. The best player in the team’s history wasn’t thrilled about the Rays decision with Dickerson. He stated he didn’t understand why the Rays would make this move as Dickerson had a better year than him in 2017 with Tampa Bay according to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.
At 28, Dickerson is still young enough to be a part of the Sox rebuilding plans going forward. The Sox are still in need of another left-handed bat although they have Nicky Delmonico for this upcoming season. Dickerson wouldn’t cost the Sox much to acquire him. Currently, the Rays have to trade or release Dickerson by this Saturday. If he’s released, the Sox could very well sign him to a one-year deal. This was also presented as a possibility by Jim Finch of FanRag Sports.
"“Leury Garcia is slated to start the year in left field with Nicky Delmonico at DH. Delmonico is a third baseman by trade so Yolmer Sanchez can play a part in this scenario. I can see Dickerson being an upgrade over all three of these players. Not that any of them are bad, but they are all young and lack experience. At least one of them will struggle. Another good reason to sign Dickerson is that besides Jose Abreu, the average age of the combined infield and outfield is approximately 25. Dickerson isn’t much older, but his experience and veteran leadership could be assets to the younger players. A multi-year deal makes sense here, but a one-year deal would work as well.” Jeff Finch"
Dickerson would be a solid upgrade to the Sox lineup. The 2009 29th round draft pick of the Colorado Rockies is a career .280 hitter with 90 home runs over five seasons with Colorado and Tampa Bay. Dickerson could fill in as an outfielder with the Sox or as the team’s primary designated hitter if acquired via trade or signing.
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The Sox won’t have to give up much to sign Dickerson if he isn’t traded by this weekend. As Finch mentioned previously, a multi-year deal would make sense but a one-year contract also works. If the Sox are able to take a chance with Dickerson, expect the team to have a better opportunity at surprising people this upcoming season.