Three free agents that can help White Sox defensively

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JULY 23: Yolmer Sanchez #5 of the Chicago White Sox forces out Harold Ramirez #47 of the Miami Marlins at second base and throws to first base to complete a double play during the eighth inning at Guaranteed Rate Field on July 23, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JULY 23: Yolmer Sanchez #5 of the Chicago White Sox forces out Harold Ramirez #47 of the Miami Marlins at second base and throws to first base to complete a double play during the eighth inning at Guaranteed Rate Field on July 23, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images) /
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Chicago White Sox Yolmer Sanchez
(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

1. Yolmer Sanchez

Now, I know that the likelihood of the White Sox re-signing Sanchez after waiving him are slim, but it’s certainly not out of the realm of possibility.

In 2019, the second baseman won the AL Gold Glove for his impressive work at the keystone. He registered 11 DRS and a 4.9 UZR.

The biggest reason for the team removing someone as talented defensively as Sanchez was that he was projected to receive $6.2 million in arbitration as noted by Tim Dierkes of MLB Trade Rumors.

At that price, Sanchez might not have been worth keeping as he has never been a strong offensive option and hit .252/.318/.321 with only two homers and 49 RBI in 2019.

However, if the team could bring him back for $2-$3 million, it is definitely worth it as they won’t find another defender as good as him on the open market.

Now, the argument could be made that the White Sox definitely wouldn’t need him to start anywhere by the end of April as Nick Madrigal should take control of the starting job in short order in 2020.

That being said, in case Madrigal isn’t able to live up to expectations, having a solid backup in-house already would be a good idea.

Every team needs a capable backup infielder just in general and Sanchez has played shortstop and third base in addition to second.

Sanchez would represent a strong option in that regard for the team and given his familiarity with the club, the White Sox should look to re-sign him at a cheaper rate than his arbitration projection.