Sorting Out the White Sox Infield: Who Will Start Alongside Vaughn

The White Sox still have plenty of roster decisions to make, most notably who will play alongside Andrew Vaughn in the infield. Following Colson Montgomery’s demotion to Triple-A Charlotte, the battle for shortstop looks like it will come down to Lenyn Sosa, Jacob Amaya, Josh Rojas or Chase Meidroth. 

A Strong Spring but an Uncertain Role

Sosa, who logged 374.1 innings at second base last season, has struggled offensively throughout his career, posting a -1.7 WAR over 163 games, including 97 at second. However, he has shown promise this spring, hitting .360 in his first 25 at-bats, and spent the offseason playing shortstop in the Venezuelan Winter League. Given his recent experience at the position, he may be a better fit at shortstop. Additionally, Sosa is out of Minor League options and offers versatility across the infield, making him a valuable piece the White Sox are keen to keep on the roster.

Miguel Vargas is also out of minor league options and has been tearing it up in Cactus League play, positioning himself as the frontrunner for the third base job. While Amaya is a strong defender, his offensive struggles make him more suited for a bench role if he makes the team.

The High-Upside Option

Meidroth has a compelling case to be the Opening Day second baseman and brings defensive versatility. However, concerns about his arm strength suggest that the middle infield may be a better fit. Manager Will Venable has recently given Meidroth opportunities as the team’s leadoff hitter and starting shortstop. At 23, he has the highest upside among the infield candidates. Last season, Meidroth posted the lowest chase rate in Triple-A while playing solid defense. In 558 plate appearances with the Worcester Red Sox, he led the Triple-A International League with a .437 on-base percentage—an impressive feat in just his second professional season. This followed an equally strong first season in Double-A Portland, where he recorded a .408 OBP, the highest in the Boston Red Sox farm system.

He posted the lowest chase rate in Triple-A last season while providing solid infield defense. In 558 plate appearances with the Worcester Red Sox, Meidroth led the Triple-A International League with a .437 on-base percentage, an impressive feat in just his second professional season. It was a sequel to what he did during his first professional season when he owned a .408 OBP in Double-A Portland, which was the highest mark in the Boston Red Sox farm system. 

The Likely Fit at Second Base

Meanwhile, Miguel Rojas, one of Chris Getz’s key offseason acquisitions, has played more career games at third base (282) than any other position, with second base (150) as his next most-played spot. He has also had a strong spring, batting .333 in his first 20 at-bats. With Vargas likely locking down third base and signs pointing to Meidroth or Sosa as the starting shortstop, Rojas appears to be the best fit at second base.