Chicago White Sox: Multiple options at second base for 2022

The Chicago White Sox could choose from some players that are shortstops first.

One other idea to consider is the pursuit of free agent shortstops who could take over at second base. There are some big names who will be available but will the White Sox be willing to go that route? Interesting to note that while most of the second base free agents are 30 or older, the list of players at short primarily is under that age.

Javier Baez may or may not be back with the New York Mets but a few things to think about are whether or not the price tag will be too high, will he want to come back to Chicago, and can you live with the highs and lows he provides in the field and at the plate?

When Baez is on his game he is as entertaining and productive a player as there is. But, when he is off, he can be way off and is there any way to keep him from swinging at 50 foot breaking balls? He primarily played second with the Mets this year while Francisco Lindor took short and spent some time there with the Cubs as well.

Carlos Correa may be the top name on this list as his 7.2 WAR leads all free agents at the position. Correa broke Sox fans’ hearts with his performance in the American League Divisional Series and could possibly break the bank based on what he may be asking for in a new contract.

However, at 27 years of age, he could be around for a while, and having come off a year in which he hit 26 homers and hit .279, he would be a solid addition to the Sox offense. If Jerry Reinsdorf was willing to sign Dennis Rodman to the Bulls years ago, perhaps he might be willing to add Correa.

The Dodgers’ Corey Seager could be an interesting addition should the Sox sign him. The reigning World Series MVP still had some issues with a fractured hand that caused him to miss over 60 games this year but when he returned he played excellent baseball.

Seager hit .382 in the last 31 games with a 1.1902 OPS. Of his 16 homers this year, 10 of them came during that 31 game stretch. At 27 years of age, he still has plenty of good baseball left in him.

At 28 years old, Trevor Story is looking to get paid as well and it doesn’t look as though that will be happening with the Rockies. Story was subject of rumors during the season that the White Sox might be making a play for him but nothing materialized and Story stayed in Denver.

His 24 homers and 75 RBI’s were some of the lowest totals he has posted in those categories during his career (excluding last season). However, he was tops in the National League in double plays turned and total zone runs as a shortstop.