Chicago White Sox: Three designated hitter free agents to add
There are reports out there that the National League isn’t going to have the designated hitter rule in 2021 after having it for the COVID-19 shortened season. It is a disappointment for all baseball fans because now we have to watch pitchers in the National League go up to the plate with little to no approach on a regular basis. The Chicago White Sox, however, might be a team that benefits from the American League being the DH league once again.
The Chicago White Sox still need to address their designated hitter situation.
If the National League goes back to making pitchers hit, that eliminates about half of potential destinations for the remaining designated hitter free agents. That could make the Chicago White Sox the most attractive option out there for them. They are, on paper, one of the three best teams in the American League and they could end up being number one. Adding a great DH could be the key to that happening as well.
If you are one of these guys, you have to be looking at the teams that have a need for a DH and clearly see that the White Sox are a tremendous option. They have a great starting lineup, a great bullpen, and a starting rotation that is ready to explode. If one of these guys brings their talents to the middle of the Chicago White Sox lineup, they could end up lifting the trophy at the end of October.
The White Sox, contrary to popular belief, has not been that shy about adding free agents. They haven’t really opened their pocketbooks to add that one megastar (yet) but they have what it takes to make one more great move. These are the three free-agent designated hitters they should consider before Spring Training:
Marcell Ozuna. 20. player. 17. . DH. Atlanta Braves
Marcell Ozuna is the best option available right now to fill a designated hitter position. He has a Gold Glove in his career as an outfielder but his path has led to him being a DH in recent years. If he came to the White Sox, a 3-4 year deal for this 30-year-old player would be so perfect. His 2020 season was sweet and if he brought that type of production to the Sox, their lineup would be even more potent.
Ozuna slashed .338/.431/.636 with an OPS of 1.067. He played in all 60 games for the Atlanta Braves, had a WAR of 2.6, and came in sixth place for the National League MVP. He led the National League in home runs with 18 and in RBIs with 56. These numbers led to him being the NL recipient of the DH Silver Slugger Award. It was a great year for him and he had perfect timing as he is now looking for a new contract. The White Sox should be the team to give him said contract.
If he was inserted in this lineup that includes an RBI-machine like Jose Abreu, they will be so dangerous. Guys like Luis Robert, Eloy Jimenez, Yoan Moncada, and Tim Anderson are elite as well so you can only imagine the runs they could score. Ozuna should make his way to the AL so he can be a DH on an amazing team like the White Sox.
DH. Minnesota Twins. Nelson Cruz. 23. player. 2.
The second-best option for a White Sox designated hitter is Nelson Cruz. The reason that he isn’t considered the top option is the fact that he is 40 years old and will turn 41 halfway through the 2021 season. Instead of giving him a 3-4 year deal like you would for Ozuna, you probably only give Cruz a one-year deal. He would be a fantastic bat in the middle of this already dangerous lineup.
In 2020, Cruz was a machine. He was particularly good against the Chicago White Sox so we got to see how great he was first hand. He had a 1.8 WAR and came in 6th place for the American League MVP. He had a slash line of .303/.397/.595 with an OPS of .992. Those are great numbers that he can only hope to recreate in 2021. If he did in the middle of this White Sox lineup, they would be a force to be reckoned with even more.
There are a few other positives that come from adding Cruz that goes beyond his production. The first is that if they gave him a one year deal, that would open the door for Andrew Vaughn to step into the lineup in 2022. It would also make sure Cruz is no longer a member of the Minnesota Twins where he has been great. If the White Sox no longer had to play against Cruz, it would really help the White Sox beat them more often. Even at 40 years old, he would be a great addition to the middle of this potent lineup.
DH. St. Louis Cardinals. Brad Miller. 15. player. 33.
The Chicago White Sox landing Brad Miller probably wouldn’t excite too many people but having him as a backup option wouldn’t be a terrible idea. He would probably start the season as the DH and then hand it over to Andrew Vaughn once he proves he can do it full time. If they failed to land Cruz or Ozuna this offseason, going after him would be okay.
In 2020, he wasn’t an all-star or anything but he was a plus WAR player at 0.9. He played with the St. Louis Cardinals where he had seven home runs, 25 RBIs, and 21 runs scored. His batting average wasn’t all that but he clearly can get on base at a decent clip. He slashed .232/.357/.451 with an OPS of .807. Those numbers wouldn’t make the White Sox worse by any means and would be a massive improvement over what they had as the DH in previous years.
If for whatever reason, the White Sox dealt with a short-term injury or two, he has also been known to be a utility infielder. He has played in the American League and National League over his eight-year MLB career. Again, he isn’t the first choice but he is a veteran that might be able to come in and make somewhat of an impact on this lineup. He would also have a lot of elite players surrounding him. If a guy with a .807 OPS is your worst hitter, you probably have a really good team.
Hank Aaron's career numbers against the Chicago White Sox. light. Hot
Getting a stable designated hitter is a big key for this White Sox team. The position may be in good hands after 2021 but it would be nice to see what they can do for the position this season. Spring Training is coming up fast and there are still some good players out there. Hopefully, the White Sox can make one or two more moves to improve their chances of winning the World Series.