Traditional Utility Man
There are a lot of things that Leury Garcia can provide for the Chicago White Sox.
Last season, Tony La Russa got upset when a reporter referred to Luery Garcia as a utility man. However, if you look at his overall body of work, that is one of the best ways to describe him.
During his nine years in the MLB, Garica has played 223 games in center field, 118 in left, 107 in right, 90 at second base, 74 at shortstop, and 34 at third base. Anywhere you place him he is a serviceable defender. However, because he has to take reps at so many different positions, he has never mastered any of them. Because of this, having him as your primary starter at any position doesn’t make much sense.
On a championship-caliber team, Garcia is a great option to have off the bench. If somebody gets injured, Garcia can fill in. If somebody needs a rest day, Garcia can fill in. He represents the ultimate insurance policy on the roster. This is why Rick Hahn made it a priority to resign him at the beginning of the offseason.
Because Garcia is a switch hitter he is also a great pinch-hitting option late in games. His speed also allows him to be a serviceable pinch-runner or defensive replacement for Eloy Jimenez late in games.
In 2019, Garcia led the American League in sacrifice bunts. He is the type of player that can do the little things late in games to help a team win. That season, he also led the White Sox in runs scored and stolen bases. He is a guy that can get on base and swipe a bag if he has to.
The ideal spot for Leury Garica in 2022 is coming off the bench.