Chicago White Sox: Zack Collins needs to step up in 2022

The Chicago White Sox has a starting catcher for next season in Yasmani Grandal. The backup position should be a competition between Zack Collins and Seby Zavala. Both Collins and Zavala had several opportunities last season to prove their worth to the White Sox as Grandal missed time in July and August due to a torn tendon in his left knee.

Collins provided a left-handed bat and slashed .210./.330/.338 as the primary backup catcher for the entire season. His highlight was catching the no-hitter thrown by Carlos Rodon in April but the former first-rounder struggled both offensively and defensively throughout the season.

Zavala was called up after the Grandal injury and split time with Collins. He slashed .183/.340/.276 but White Sox pitchers did like throwing to him and was better behind the plate.

Collins does have a higher standing than Zavala in the White Sox organization but he will be 27 years old when next season begins and time is running short on his White Sox career to have an impact. As a backup, Collins could have more value if he improves his defense and gets some timely hits.

The Chicago White Sox need help with their catching before the 2022 season begins.

Grandal is known for his pitch framing but his age (33 years old when next season starts), injuries, and trouble throwing out base runners could mean some starts at designated hitter and first base. Grandal provides the White Sox with someone who has a powerful left-handed bat (23 HR) and disciplined eye at the plate .240/.420/.520.

Collins also can step in at 1B/DH if needed but the development of Gavin Sheets and Andrew Vaughn last season at those spots probably limits most of his playing time to catcher or pinch hitter.

The Chicago White Sox will probably give Collins another chance as the backup catcher in 2022 but he will have to improve both his offense and defense to stay here long term. His 2021 season was disappointing considering he had several chances to prove himself.