The White Sox enter the offseason with their minds on contending for the first time in several years, and they’ll bring back most of the roster that reached the Postseason in 2026. Lefty Sean Newcomb and outfielder Randal Grichuk are the team’s most significant free agents. Grichuk, who the White Sox signed in early May, had one of the more surprising breakouts among White Sox players and played a major role in the team’s success. At age 36, he’s unlikely to repeat his success, so the White Sox may look for another option to replace that role in free agency. Here are a few options.
Lane Thomas, Atlanta Braves
A former fifth-round pick of the Blue Jays, Lane Thomas looked like he was on track to becoming a star after a very strong 2023 season. Thomas got his first shot at a full-time role in 2022 with Washington, where he slugged 17 home runs and posted a .705 OPS. He followed it up with a 28-homer, .783 OPS season in 2023 and was off to a decent start before a deadline trade to the Guardians in 2024. Thomas struggled through injuries during 2024 and 2025 with Cleveland, and he joined the Royals in 2026, where he mostly played against left-handers. He finished the season with Atlanta, where he went just 1-for-7 in the playoffs. Since 2024, his splits are pretty stark– he’s posted an .802 OPS against southpaws and just a .619 mark against righties. If the White Sox are looking for a pure lefty-masher to replace Grichuk and play multiple outfield positions, Thomas could be a great fit.
Ramon Laureano, San Diego Padres
It’s been a bit of a roller coaster for Ramon Laureano over the past few seasons. He played his first five seasons with the Athletics, and he could never quite recapture his excellent numbers from 2019, where he slugged 24 home runs and posted an .861 OPS. Laureano spent time with Cleveland and Atlanta before a 2025 resurgence with Baltimore and San Diego. The Padres hoped he’d remain a consistent contributor in their lineup in 2026, but he had just a .660 OPS in 53 games and his season was shortened due to a hip injury. He’ll now hit free agency at 32 looking to bounce back, and could be interested in a one-year prove it type deal. He’s at least an average defender with slightly above average speed, and can truly be a well-rounded hitter when he’s at his best. Laureno could be a high-upside option for the White Sox outfield.
A 321-foot throw on the fly for the double play 🤯
— MLB (@MLB) August 11, 2026
Ramón Laureano unleashed one of the most mind-boggling throws eight years ago today 😳 pic.twitter.com/kgyz3LPKnA
Adolis Garcia, Philadelphia Phillies
It’s been a few years since Adolis Garcia was truly an impact hitter in a big league lineup. Known for his big time power and solid defense in the outfield, Garcia’s career reached a new high in 2023, when he slugged 39 home runs and posted an .836 OPS while helping lead Texas to a World Series championship. Garcia made his second All-Star game that season, but began to decline in 2024. He hit just .224 the following season, though he still slugged 25 home runs. He followed that up with just 19 in 2025 and was non-tendered by the Rangers last offseason. Garcia joined the Phillies on a one-year deal looking to bounce back, but was limited to just 67 games by injuries and hit just .195. He’ll now hit free agency again ahead of his age-34 season and look to prove he still has more left in the tank. Garcia would be a high-risk signing for the White Sox, but could have a high reward if he’s able to unlock some of the power that he had earlier in his career. He wouldn’t be my first choice, but he’s a possibility nonetheless.
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