2. Yoan Moncada 3B
The Chicago White Sox are lucky to have Yoan Moncada in their lineup.
Moncada moved around the lineup last year but when it mattered most Tony La Russa had him in the number two-hole. That’s where Moncada batted in Game 4 of the ALDS and that’s likely where he will stay on Opening Day.
Moncada has all the tools to be the most versatile hitter in the White Sox lineup. He also presents a matchup nightmare. His 70 home runs in a White Sox uniform are the third-highest total by a switch hitter in franchise history. On July 3rd, he homered from both sides of the plate against the Detroit Tigers, becoming just the eighth player in franchise history to do so.
Moncada’s best offensive season came in 2019. He slashed .315/.367/.548. His 25 home runs and 79 RBIs remain his career highs. He also had the 10th best offensive WAR in the AL in a 5.0 mark. While his production tailed off in 2020, due to his struggles with COVID-19, he unlocked another element to his game in 2021.
His patience at the plate was superb. Moncada drew 84 walks. He set a career-high in OPS with a .375 OPS and had the third-highest total in the American League. Moncada’s .375 OPS also placed him .050 points above the MLB average.
His ability to drive the ball and draw walks make him an ideal hitter to have at the top of your lineup. Moncada keeps the line moving.