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White Sox should jump on opportunity presented in AL Central

By Kristen Bentley

CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 25: Daniel Palka #18 of the Chicago White Sox is mobbed by his teammates after hitting a two-run game winning single against the Cleveland Indians during the ninth inning on September 25, 2018 at Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago, Illinois. The White Sox won 5-4.(Photo by David Banks/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 25: Daniel Palka #18 of the Chicago White Sox is mobbed by his teammates after hitting a two-run game winning single against the Cleveland Indians during the ninth inning on September 25, 2018 at Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago, Illinois. The White Sox won 5-4.(Photo by David Banks/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 30: Adam Jones #10 of the Baltimore Orioles waves to crowd after being pulled from the game in the ninth inning against the Houston Astros at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 30, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 30: Adam Jones #10 of the Baltimore Orioles waves to crowd after being pulled from the game in the ninth inning against the Houston Astros at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 30, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

At the end of the 2018 season, the ChiSox outfield was mediocre at best.

Yes, Adam Engel finished third in the AL center field Gold Glove nominations, but he didn’t win. And, he certainly wouldn’t win any batting awards.

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So, center field needs an upgrade. The Sox shouldn’t get rid of Engel, but he would be better as an outfield bench player. I have been a big fan of Adam Jones, who is a free agent after several years leading the Orioles. Jones may be 33 years old and his glove is nothing like Engel’s, but Jones can hit. And, his veteran presence is invaluable.

Jones is incredibly motivated to win in the post-season and on a solid team, he shines. On that horrible 2018 Orioles team, he hit .281/.313/.419 with 35 doubles and 15 home runs.

If Avisail Garcia can stay healthy, right field should remain his. This kid can hit and his range in the outfield is one of the best in the game. Of course, there are right fielders on the free agent list, but Hahn can’t replace everyone. Can he?

Left-field needs an upgrade more than right field. Michael Brantley and Marwin Gonzalez are both available, but they won’t come cheap. Curtis Granderson, a Chicago native, is also available. While he’s getting up there in age, he could be an interesting option to platoon with Engel or Leury Garcia.

dark. Next. White Sox rumored interest in Machado and Harper

That’s it. With a team filled with veterans and some of the youngsters added for the rebuild, the Sox could take over the top – especially if the Indians are ready to throw in the towel.

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