Chicago White Sox: 4 players to cut when Jimenez and Robert return

Jake Burger

Jake Burger of the Chicago White Sox has been an awesome story this year.

Jake Burger has been one of the feel-good stories of the season so far. After tearing his Achilles twice, then missing the 2020 season because of the pandemic, Burger has made an incredible comeback. After not playing baseball for three years he was able to work his way to the show.

Since breaking into the big leagues, Burger has hit .278 with one home run. He has also posted a solid .850 OPS. On the defensive side, he has played a solid third base and also served as a designated hitter.

What Burger has working against him is his lack of versatility. He played some games at second base in Charlotte but the White Sox have not been comfortable enough to trot him out there yet. Yoan Moncada has served as the primary third baseman and as the pennant race heats up he will spend the majority of the time there. Eloy Jimenez’s return might lock up the designated hitter spot. With those two positions filled, that leaves little room for Burger except as a bat off of the bench.

However, the White Sox have already shown they value defensive flexibility. One of the main reasons Yermin Mercedes was sent down was because he couldn’t provide any help in the field. The White Sox has plenty of guys who can play DH. If the White Sox don’t trade for a second baseman, then Danny Mendick may have the inside track on keeping a roster spot. If Burger wants to stay in the majors he is going to have to continue hitting and hit a lot.