Andrew Vaughn
It might be a bit surprising that the team's leader in batting average and wRC+ among qualified batters has an uncertain future.
Since his average was just .246 and his wRC+ was 97, you can start to see why.
It does not help that he turned in another replacement-level season when more was expected from the team's former top-five pick.
Even though he will be 27 next season, the Sox could get that kind of production from Josh Bell or other first base options that might cheaper.
I’m very surprised by some of the Andrew Vaughn discourse on this website. He plays first base and was a negative fWAR player this year. The #WhiteSox shouldn’t tender him and that’s not controversial.
— James Fox (@JamesFox917) September 29, 2024
The Sox could get the same production from what they got from Vaughn in prospect Tim Elko at a much cheaper price than whatever Vaughn will get through arbitration. Since the Sox are cutting costs this offseason, it would not hurt to shave off Vaughn's potential couple million dollars in salary.
Still, he is 27, and it is not like he is going to break the bank. That is why his future is up in the air.