Lenyn Sosa was arguably one of the White Sox most consistent bats last season, but with a crowded infield and difficult 40-man roster decisions looming, the club could look to move the 25-year-old Venezuelan.
Sosa led the White Sox in hits (137), home runs (22), and RBIs (75), finishing the season with a much-improved .264/.293/.434 slash line. While his strikeout rate sat north of 23% and he posted one of the lowest walk rates in baseball at 3.3%, he consistently barreled the ball, ranking in the top half of MLB in barrel rate, average exit velocity, and expected slugging percentage.
However, when the White Sox added Curtis Mead in a trade from the Tampa Bay Rays, it limited where the White Sox could put Sosa. His defense at first base was poor, and while he is a capable second and third baseman, he is blocked on the roster by Miguel Vargas and Chase Meidroth. That roster squeeze became even tighter when the White Sox signed Munetaka Murakami, making Vargas the leading candidate to man the hot corner on Opening Day.
While Sosa is the superior bat, the 25-year-old Australian Mead offers significantly more defensive versatility. Though he also lacks a clearly defined role, his stronger glove may make him a better fit for a bench spot than Sosa.
Both players are out of minor-league options, meaning the White Sox must keep them on the major-league roster or risk losing them on waivers.
There is clear value in keeping a bat of Sosa’s caliber on the roster, but his trade value is likely as high as it has ever been. If Marakama lives up to his billing as an impact power hitter, the roster may place a greater premium on defense.
For a team looking for a cheap right-handed bat, Sosa could draw some interest. Trading away Sosa would also free up some roster space to give Tanner Murray, whom the White Sox acquired in a trade with Tampa Bay for Steven Wilson and Yoendry Gomez, more of an extended look.
Murray still has three minor league options remaining and is capable of playing shortstop, second base, and third base.
His three minor league options do give the White Sox a bit more flexibility with Murray, who has yet to play in the big leagues. In 572 plate appearances with Tampa’s Triple-A affiliate last season, he slashed .241/.299/.400 with 18 homers.
The White Sox still need pitching and outfield help, and trading away Sosa could help the White Sox address some of those needs.
