Chicago White Sox: 3 players who surprisingly stepped up big time

Gavin Sheets

Gavin Sheets came out of nowhere for the Chicago White Sox later in the year.

Gavin Sheets was everything the White Sox could have asked for and more. They needed another left-handed power bat. Upon being called up in June, all Sheets did was rake. It didn’t take long for him to make an impact either.

In his first game, he became the first White Sox player since Craig Wilson in 1998 to have multiple hits and RBIs in his Major League Debut. By his second game, he had his first Major League home run.

The 25-year old lefty belted 11 home runs in just 54 games including a dramatic walk-off home run to complete a come from behind win over the Twins on July 19th. Sheets finished the year with 34 RBIs a .250 average and a .506 slugging percentage.

Even more impressive was his .830 OPS. His performance during the regular season earned him more at-bats late in the year. Tony La Russa’s trust in him spilled over to the postseason. During the ALDS, Sheets had two multi-hit games.

In Game 4, he put the only White Sox run on the board with a solo home run and later contributed a double. With continued lineup protection and a full season in the big leagues, Sheets has the opportunity to put up some massive numbers next year. This year, he was on pace for 33 home runs and 102 RBIs if he played the full season.