Chicago White Sox: Four long-term injury replacements for Eloy Jimenez

Leury Garcia 

If the White Sox decide to use an internal candidate then the first in line for a promotion would be Leury Garcia. Garcia served as the White Sox leadoff man in 2019 and was a starter in 2020 before going down with an injury.

Garcia provides a ton of value for the White Sox because he can play every position in the outfield and three different positions in the infield. His strong arm makes him effective in every position he plays. He is the ultimate utility player. Garcia has the speed to cover a ton of ground in the outfield as well.

Paired with Adam Eaton and Luis Robert, it will be very difficult for opposing hitters to find green grass to land a ball in. He was already expected to be used as the fourth outfielder while the White Sox wait for Adam Engel to return. Within a matter of days, he could get another promotion.

Garcia can provide some offensive production for the White Sox. In the past three seasons that he has played over 80 games, he has hit .270 or higher. Not only can he hit for average but he has exhibited expert bunting skills. If Tony La Russa wants to move a runner over Garcia can get the job done.

However, he can’t replace the power that Jimenez provides. Garcia’s career-high in home runs is 9. That is a significant drop-off from the 30 plus bombs that Jimenez is capable of. Garcia has been with the team since 2013 so the White Sox clearly values him. If they roll with him in left field it will be because Rick Hahn believes he can step up and get the job done.