Chicago White Sox: Three players who should DH in 2020

The Chicago White Sox have a few different options of who can DH at any point in the season for them. This depth could be a real strength to the offense.

The Chicago White Sox have been pretty inconsistent with the designated hitter position ever since they lost Jim Thome. He was a consistent power hitter for them during some fun seasons. Since then, they have not really had one of those really good designated hitters in their lineup. In 2020 that could be the case and they might not only have one guy who can do it.

They made some additions to their lineup over the winter that could see them slot a few different guys into that position. They could get it done by the committee when other guys need breaks or days off. They are all also capable of playing positions in the field which is really exciting for the team to think about. It has been a while since they have had a lineup that has all nine players that can hit the ball at a high level.

The good news is that it also can go beyond nine guys. That is why they are going to be able to fill in all of their positions in the field along with a designated hitter. The depth is also giving them options with how they handle everything as far as their lineup. This is going to be a group that is going to be able to score a lot of runs in 2020 as long as everyone contributes to the best of their abilities. These are the best three options for the designated hitter position this upcoming season:

Edwin Encarnacion is the most likely candidate to have the most plate appearances as a designated hitter for the White Sox. They signed him to a contract this offseason to come in and be yet another big bat in the middle of the lineup. Encarnacion hits 30 home runs in his sleep so adding this guy is a big key to success in 2020.

He is going to be surrounded by as good of a lineup as he has ever been around. He also has some postseason success in his career so he definitely brings some value to this club. In 2019 he had 34 home runs, 86 RBIs, and 81 runs scored split between the Seattle Mariners and the New York Yankees. He is 37 years old so nobody should be expecting him to improve on that but if he can bring some of that same production this year he will be in good shape.

He is also capable of playing some first base if the White Sox need to occupy the DH spot with someone else and still want to get Encarnacion in there. He provides the perfect boost to the offense this team has been missing for a while. We know what the core players are going to be able to do so adding this guy should be fun to watch.

James McCann was an all-star catcher in 2019. He was a pleasant surprise for all White Sox fans as he played very well. The team then signed Yasmani Grandal to a very lucrative contract back in November and is sure to see most of the catching duties. McCann is still there to catch when needed but they might want to get his bat involved more as well.

That is why he might also see some time as the designated hitter. There is no doubt that Grandal is going to see most of the catching duties, but bringing McCann back after last year tells us that he should still see plenty of action in 2020. It might not be smart to expect him to be an All-Star again this year but if he can repeat some of his magic from last year it would be very good for the Sox.

In 2019, he hit 18 home runs and had 60 RBIs and 62 runs scored. A lot of his moments seemed to be in the clutch situations as well, so bringing him back for this year is good to see. He also might get to be Lucas Giolito’s personal catcher throughout the year. When Grandal is the catcher, there is a decent chance that McCann sees time as a designated hitter if Encarnacion needs a break or is in the field. McCann is also capable of playing some first base if needed. It is good to have this type of depth at all of these positions.