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White Sox: Let’s Talk About A 2018 Free Agent Wish List

By Breven Daugherity

BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 24: Manny Machado #8 of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws out J.D. Martinez (not pictured) #28 of the Boston Red Sox during the fourth inning in Game Two of the 2018 World Series at Fenway Park on October 24, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 24: Manny Machado #8 of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws out J.D. Martinez (not pictured) #28 of the Boston Red Sox during the fourth inning in Game Two of the 2018 World Series at Fenway Park on October 24, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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MILWAUKEE, WI – OCTOBER 04: Carlos Gonzalez #5 of the Colorado Rockies reacts after hitting a triple during the fifth inning Game One of the National League Division Series against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on October 4, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI – OCTOBER 04: Carlos Gonzalez #5 of the Colorado Rockies reacts after hitting a triple during the fifth inning Game One of the National League Division Series against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on October 4, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

Outfield Depth

Considering the Sox infield crew seems to be set in concrete for the next few years, their outfield is the only asset of the team that could use additions. Especially with the likely emergence of Eloy Jimenez in 2019, the experience would be crucial to have in the White Sox outfield.

Carlos Gonzalez (33)

Carlos Gonzalez‘s name should sound familiar to all. He was a household name just a few years ago, considering he was arguably the best left fielder in all of baseball. On top of that, on multiple occasions he was on the Sox radar both during the trade deadline and the offseason. Now 33 years old, Gonzalez will be entering free agency following a season in which he batted .276 with 16 home runs.

This one might anger some Sox fans. Even as I write it, the thought of some past signings lingers in the back of my head. Adam Dunn, Adam LaRoche, and so on. They all share a similarity in that they all were at one time perennial power hitters who entered free agency just past age 30. The problem? Well, Sox fans should know about Dunn and LaRoche. They both ultimately ended up as busts, not providing much production in their time on the south side.

So why am I still sticking with Gonzalez as a likely option? Because I believe he would be different. He brings a swagger to teams. He could play under 100 games and I still believe his impact would be felt. He is a clubhouse leader.

Also, I believe he could give the Sox 15-20 home runs, which would never hurt. It also isn’t a secret that he would blend perfectly with the club given that he is of international descent. As a final note, think about this. If you had the option to give Jimenez constant access to the brain of a hitter like Gonzalez, would you do it? I would too.

Marwin Gonzalez (30)

Marwin Gonzalez is a true seasoned veteran in the major leagues. He has seven seasons under his belt, including a World Series championship. Not only has he been contributing in the league for seven years, but he has been doing it in multiple positions. Gonzalez is the definition of a utility man. He can give a team solid defense in the outfield, usually in left field. He also has the ability to play every position in the infield but spends most of his time at first base.

There isn’t much talk about Marwin Gonzalez heading into this offseason, and that is because he isn’t necessarily a flashy player. He is, however, an effective player. In the White Sox case, he can be a very valuable player. With our current lineups varying by the day, Marwin Gonzalez can be slotted into a number of positions. He also adds a switch bat to the lineup that already has a handful of them proven.

Like Carlos Gonzalez, Marwin Gonzalez also is of international descent. Chances are he would mold very nicely with the young White Sox team. He could also serve as a mentor to the almost exclusively youth roster of the Sox. When a team can add a player with a World Series championship under their belt, especially a team as young as the White Sox, it’s huge. Marwin Gonzalez is being hugely slept on heading into the offseason, and I believe Rick Hahn would be getting a steal by acquiring him.

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