The White Sox were in on the right field market all offseason until they weren't. I mean, as recent as yesterday they were supposedly interested in Yasiel Puig. However, that has been refuted in the last 24 hours, but it doesn't mean the White Sox are done trying to add one more position player.
The focus in free agency has now turned to the bullpen and a utility infielder.
You can read about the top free agent relievers and who might be the best fit for the White Sox below.
While Nick Madrigal is slated to become the every-day second baseman eventually in 2020, the White Sox still need a guy to fill in until the 2018 first round pick is ready to take over the role.
Right now Danny Mendick is your Opening Day second baseman for the White Sox.
The 26-year-old was eventually called in September and played in 16 games. He didn't have much of a sample size, compiling only 39 at-bats, but Mendick was solid with a .308/.325/.462 slash line. He did however strike out 11 times and only walked once in his first cup of coffee in the majors. The right-handed hitter has a career .740 OPS in five minor league seasons.
The White Sox also signed Cheslor Cuthbert earlier this month to a minor league deal.
The 27-year-old infielder has played his entire MLB career with the Royals, beginning in 2015. Cuthbert has an invite to spring training with the White Sox and although he's mostly played third base, he'd most likely win a roster spot being in the second base mix. Cuthbert has a career .679 OPS in nearly 1,100 MLB at-bats.
So, if the White Sox want more of a sure thing at second base to begin next season and have a smooth transition to Madrigal while maintaining a solid back up, here are the best infield free agents available.
- Brian Dozier
- Starlin Castro
- Brock Holt
- Brad Miller
- Wilmer Flores
- Asdrúbal Cabrera
- Scooter Gennett
- José Iglesias
Or? What if the White Sox just bring back Yolmer Sanchez? They non-tendered him because they didn't want to be on the hook for about $6 million in arbitration, but maybe they work out a deal and get the most value out of Sanchez as a backup utility man instead of the primary starting second baseman. At the minimum Sanchez provides great defense.
Lots of options still out there for the White Sox, who have been extremely busy this offseason.
