Right field has been a black hole for the White Sox ever since Avisail Garcia's option was not picked up after the 2018 season. While there is still some debate as to whether the team should have done that or not, Garcia has continued to be productive in the league thus making it look worse and worse. 2017 was a very good campaign for Garcia, so there was some logic behind the move as that was the first season he showed any sort of promise and then he struggled again in 2018, but he was definitely not as young as he once was. While the logic seemed sound, it certainly didn't payoff after what he has done since. But ever since that decision was made, the Sox have not had any great production from the position despite numerous attempts to fix it. 2021 wasn't much better as the club tried bringing back Adam Eaton, who was abysmal, and then tried using players like Andrew Vaughn, Gavin Sheets, Leury Garcia, and Adam Engel in a platoon, but that only brought some better-ish results. The front office will certainly need to address finding better and more consistent production from right field, but they certainly have to answer two questions: From where and in what way? This article will take a look at that.
Internal/Stop-Gap Options
The White Sox could in a few different ways just address fixing the position by bringing up a player internally or use a player(s) currently on the roster. Some fans and possibly some executives might not love this idea, but it could be beneficial in the long term. Who knows, there might be a future star with this decision.
First, let's take a look at the internal options
Micker Adolfo: Adolfo has seemingly been in the Sox farm system forever and might've made his debut earlier had injuries not hurt his chances doing so. However, when healthy, he has shown a lot of talent as he has some incredible power and a strong throwing arm. The biggest downside is that Adolfo strikes out, a lot, hurting his chances at being more productive as he does not get on base a lot. That's a major concern and will be looked at closely during spring training. Another concern is that his numbers dropped when promoted to Triple-A as his wRC+ went from 128 to 112, though Adolfo still showed a lot of power by hitting 15 home runs in AA (57 games) and 10 in AAA (44 games). Another thing that looked good for Adolfo was his wOBA (.363 and .348 in AA and AAA respectively) and slugging percentage (.525 and .513 respectively). If the numbers with the bat can translate into the major leagues, then the Sox lineup gets significantly better and much more difficult for opposing pitchers. Adolfo is out of options, so he either has to make the team or be traded. The latter is the most likely thing to happen, but he will get a chance to fight for a spot.
Blake Rutherford: Rutherford has had a very up-and-down tenure in the Sox farm system despite having a high ceiling. He was a first round pick by the New York Yankees in 2016, so there seems to be reason that he can be good enough to be a contributor in the big leagues. He also has some power in his bat and that helps as well. However, if there is power in his bat, then why hasn't it shown in the minors? One could make the case that he is working on his swing to pull the ball more thus affecting his power numbers, but it's been a few years now and nothing. There was an uptick in home runs in 2021 in 115 games as he slugged 11 dingers. However, his on base percentage was low (.286), wOBA (.300), and wRC+ (80) in 2021 and those are not good enough. Rutherford's wRC+ in 2018 was 120, OBP was .345, and wOBA was .357, so the hope from the front office is that he can put up numbers closer to that than what his 2021 was. While he'll get the chance in spring training, Rutherford might be a career fourth/fifth outfielder (and that might mean that players like Billy Hamilton and Brian Goodwin won't be back).
Yoelkis Cespedes: Cespedes is the likely right fielder of the future and a lot of players listed on here could be affected by what he does in spring training. However, everyone needs to pump those brakes before thinking Cespedes is going to be the right fielder in 2022. Cespedes will get his chance to break camp on the MLB roster, but he's only played 72 minor leagues games and only has 27 at the AA level. He would have to seriously have the best spring training ever for a player to be the starting right fielder for the Sox in 2022. That being said, he might be by the end of the 2022 campaign though that is unlikely. Like his brother Yoenis, he has a lot of power and gets on base a lot. However, Cespedes hadn't played since 2019 before playing in 2021 and there isn't too much on him to know what he truly will be like. There are some who are skeptical as to whether he will be a successful player in the major leagues, but the White Sox seem to really like what Cespedes brings and think he will be. However, he is very unlikely to win the job out of camp.
Luis Mieses: Of all the players listed here, Mieses is most definitely not going to win the job out of camp. What is for sure though is that Sox fans will have to keep an eye on him as Mieses has tremendous power and great arm strength. A comparison of his play is a left handed Franmil Reyes as some project 25 home run power. While he's an intriguing player, Mieses hasn't played above High-A ball thus hurting his chances even more. There isn't much more to say here except that Mieses isn't going to break camp as the Sox starting right fielder. Otherwise, the team will be in big trouble.
Now let's take a look at the stop-gap options.
Gavin Sheets: Sheets really showed how valuable his bat was in 2021. Sheets hit .250/.324/.506 with 11 home runs and a 125 wRC+ across 179 MLB plate appearances in his rookie campaign. His left handed bat has a lot of power and having him in the lineup makes the club even more dangerous. However, it's just a small sample size and Sheets could fall off a cliff in 2022. He's also a trade candidate, but the likelihood of that happen is small unless the right deal comes up. That being said, Sheets is also still learning the position so his defense might not be outstanding, but his bat does all the talking. The Sox should really consider him in right field and he could even platoon with someone else.
Adam Engel: Ever since Engel figured out his bat in late 2019, he has been a very useful player for the Sox. So much so that he's become a reliable bat. In 2020, he platooned in right field with Nomar Mazara as he was able to hit left handed pitchers well. 2021 was injury riddled for him, but the team should expect him to be healthy for 2022. However, there are some who have suggested that maybe even having Engel as the full time starter as his numbers against right handed pitchers were actually quite good in 2021. Engel does also provide gold glove defense and is incredibly fast, so he definitely has some valuable tools to be the starter. Engel's past numbers as a starting player are not good, but with his new approach at the plate clearly shows improvement. Having wRC+ numbers of 121 and 127 in 2020 and 2021 respectively (and even improved from 2018 to 2019 going from 68 to 83) despite somewhat of a small sample size does suggest that Engel could be an everyday player. However, he has to prove that or else he will have to platoon again.
Andrew Vaughn: Vaughn wasn't particularly impressive in 2021, but that isn't necessarily his fault. While the expectation was for him to be the everyday designated hitter, he was thrusted into playing the outfield due to injuries and was depended upon a lot in a depleted lineup. Vaughn slashed .235/.309/.396 for a 94 wRC+, but he did show some power and production like hitting 15 home runs and driving in 56 runs. Considering he had never hit above High-A before 2021 (yes, he was at the Schaumburg site in 2020 in which he reportedly was very impressive), it's hard to be mad at the numbers he produced in the majors. Actually, those numbers aren't too bad for someone who never hit above High-A. So, with more at bats in the majors in 2022, he should improve. His defensive numbers on the other hand are atrocious, which isn't his fault either as Vaughn was playing positions he had to learn on the fly during the season. Vaughn actually grades out better in left field with a UZR of 2.1 (which is significantly better than Eloy Jimenez at -0.7 and that was an improvement for Jimenez), but in right field it was -1.6. Admittedly, it was a small-ish sample size in right field, but over 100 innings (118.1) probably suggests that Vaughn should not be the everyday right fielder. If Vaughn's bat was able to more than make up for his defensive woes, then it wouldn't be a terrible idea, but the Sox can't just hope that the bat comes around for that to be the case. It would be best suited for him and the team to have Vaughn play rotationally at DH, first base, and left field.
Free Agent Options
Leury Garcia: Garcia would become a stop gap option if he is brought back, but technically is a free agent. That being said, Garcia is better suited as a utility bench player despite what manager Tony La Russa says (No Tony, he is not an everyday player who can play everywhere!). Despite hitting well in September, Garcia's 2021 numbers shows that he should not play everyday as his slugging percentage was .376 and his wRC+ was 98. The only reasonably stat that helps his case is a .335 on base percentage. Now, as for playing right field, Garcia should not even be the everyday starter or a defensive move in right field as his defense is bad there. With a UZR of 0.2, that's a no go for having him play in right field. Garcia's defense in general isn't good, but if he was to play anywhere defensively it should be second base considering it's not a premium position and that's where most infielders with limited range and arm strength play.
Kris Bryant: Yes, everyone knows the talent Bryant has as he is one of the most prolific hitters in baseball. That being said, the Sox should stay away from Bryant. While his numbers do look impressive at first glance, Bryant has been prone to inconsistencies and injuries. Bryant would definitely benefit hitting at Guaranteed Rate Field and in the Sox lineup (not to mention hitting coach Frank Menechino might be able to fix some things in his swing and approach), but he seems to be on a downward trajectory. Bryant could also theoretically come back to hit what he did in the first few years with the Chicago Cubs, but there's no way it's a guarantee. However, having Bryant on the team makes little sense anyways as he only fits in right field, his worst defensive position. Bryant's UZR in 2021 at right field was -0.9, only slightly better than Vaughn. In fact, over the course of his career, Bryant has consistently played at first base the best out of all the positions he has played. With Abreu at first base, Yoan Moncada at third base, and Eloy Jimenez in left field, it just doesn't seem like it would be a good idea to sign Bryant unless he's willing to DH and even then the Sox already have plenty of options there. Just a waste of money for his services.
Michael Conforto: Conforto was once a top prospect for the New York Mets and put up some very consistent power numbers. 2021 was not too great as his wRC+ was 106 and only hit 14 home runs. However, that could be chalked up to just an off campaign as in 2019 Conforto slugged 33 home runs and had a 127 wRC+, plus his on base percentage was .363 and slugged .494. His wRC+ in 2020 was even 158, so the bat would still be very productive in this Sox lineup despite a disappointing 2021. His defense on the other hand is a different story. While never putting good defensive numbers, they were always never terrible. In 2021 though, his UZR was -5.1. Whatever the reason was for Conforto's bad numbers both offensively and defensively, it still would be wise for the Sox to consider his services. It could pay off.
Joc Pederson: Pederson is an interesting case. Pederson didn't particularly put up some good numbers in 2021 as his wRC+ was 94, though it did get somewhat better when traded to the Atlanta Braves. Pederson has shown to be productive in the past as recently in 2019 his wRC+ was 126 as he slugged .249/.339/.538 with 36 home runs and driving in 74. Pederson absolutely kills right handed pitchers as he has a career .832 OPS suggesting a platoon role for him. Pederson's defensive numbers in right field are also very similar to Conforto's. Ironically enough the Sox offered him a one year deal last offseason before deciding on joining the Cubs for less money weirdly, but this year the club should be hesitant about Pederson's services.
Jorge Soler: Soler is another intriguing case as like Pederson, he had down numbers in 2021. In 2019, Soler put up some monstrous numbers as he slugged .265/.354/.569 with 48 home runs and drove in 117 runs as well as having a 136 wRC+. If Soler can put up something similar to those numbers, that would be fantastic for the Sox, but his wRC+ in 2021 was 100. Another thing to consider is that Soler might be better suited as a DH, another option for where the Sox can sign him, as his career UZR is -19.7 in right field. Probably the worst numbers of anyone listed here despite having a great throwing arm.
Kyle Schwarber: Schwarber had a breakout season in 2021 as he absolutely crushed the ball. His wRC+ was an astounding 145 this season and he also slugged .266/.374/.554 with 32 home runs and 71 RBIs. There was hesitancy by a lot of teams to sign Schwarber last offseason as he came off a very bad 2020 and was limited defensively. In hindsight, many of those clubs probably regret not signing him, but he will certainly be a hot commodity on the market. Now with the ability to play first base, it certainly gives the Sox another versatile option. Schwarber has not played much right field, but he was never a good defensive outfield and there would be a lot of question there.
Eddie Rosario: Rosario put up some subpar numbers in 2021 for both the Braves and Cleveland (Guardians). That doesn't mean he will again in 2022 as he was pretty consistent with the Minnesota Twins prior to this past season and plus had an outstanding postseason to help Atlanta win the World Series. His wRC+ was 98, but those numbers with Minnesota in 2017-2020 ranged from 104-117 which suggests he is still a consistently productive player despite an off 2021. Rosario also hits a lot of home runs as from 2017-2019, he hit between 24-32 dingers and even had 13 in 60 games in 2020. In 2021, Rosario only hit 14, but those numbers could really benefit if he was to play at Guaranteed Rate Field. Rosario is only 30 years old, so he still is very much in his prime and his numbers from 2021 suggests it was a fluke season and not a decline. Rosario could also benefit from a platoon like Pederson as Rosario hits right handed pitching well. However, Rosario has never really played all that much of right field, so it will be interesting to see how he does out there.
Yoshitomo Tsutsugo: Tsutsugo has been a disappointment since coming over from Japan, but Tsutsugo has a lot of power and might excel at Guaranteed Rate Field. Tsutsugo hit well for Pittsburgh towards the end of 2021, so there is some hope that he can well for a club in 2022. Tsutsugo has the ability to play first base, third base, and a corner outfield position, but is probably best off being an everyday DH. So, if it's best to have him be an everyday DH, it could mean Tsutsugo is not a good fit with the Sox. The team could still find ways to get Tsutsugo some at bats and split his time between DH and the outfield, but that's unlikely. That being said, the power is intriguing.
Nick Castellanos: Castellanos is arguably the NL most valuable player as he was outstanding with the Cincinnati Reds in 2021. Despite abysmal defensive numbers, Castellanos more than makes up for that with his bat. He is one of the most feared hitters in baseball as his slashline of .309/.362/.576, .340 BABIP, .391 wOBA, .267 ISO, 140 wRC+, 34 home runs, 100 RBIs, and 38 doubles. That's pretty good and it would be fantastic to sign him. Problem with signing Castellanos is that it could be too costly to do as it might prohibit what the Sox can do in the offseason with having the fifth highest payroll in the league. But even if the Sox sign him, then you have one of the most feared lineups in baseball. There is no doubt the team will pursue Castellanos, but his services might be too costly.
Avisail Garcia: A reunion with Garcia wouldn't necessarily be a bad idea as he's coming off the best season of his career. Garcia still could platoon and DH when needed, plus get the same amount of at bats he would if he was full time. Garcia had a 115 wRC+ in 2021 as he had a .330 on base percentage and .490 slugging percentage, plus crushing a career high 29 home runs. At only 30 years, Garcia is in the prime of his career and his numbers could have a considerable jump at Guaranteed Rate Field. Not a bad option for the Sox to sign and a reunion might possibly happen.
Seiya Suzuki: Suzuki is going to be a hot commodity on the market as everything that scouting reports say about him is that he's going to be a star. Like Ichiro Suzuki (no relation), he is 27 if he was to enter playing in the U.S. Suzuki is also considered a five tool player. The offensive numbers for him are eye popping as he has even had wRC+'s of over 200 and 160+ every season since 2016. Suzuki is also an above average fielder with a strong arm, but he has great power. Now, Suzuki plays in Japan where the fields are favorable to hitters as they are considerably smaller than in the U.S., his play could still play out well for him and be a very productive player in the majors. Plus, even a year under Suzuki's belt in the majors could benefit him with his power numbers for the future like it did with Hideki Matsui. Suzuki's numbers in Japan were stupid good and he clearly is significantly better than his competition, so it might be reasonable to think his numbers will translate well in the majors. The only question here is cost, but from reported numbers, Suzuki might be more affordable than some think. It would be wise for the Sox to scout Suzuki as much as possible and make a play on him.
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