This is the second part of a three part series that talks about an offseason need for the White Sox. In this series, it will be talked about how the Pale Hose will need to fill the need of designated hitter in 2020 as that was a position that was historically bad. For the second part of this series, it will talk about the stop gap options on the team and who are the options that fit best. This does not mean they will go this direction, but it is an option. Let's take a look at some players the club will take into consideration if they go the stop gap route.
Zack Collins
It's unfair to call Collins a stop gap option as he is a future piece of this club. Collins went through the moves last season after spending time with the Sox for a cup of coffee to see what the major leagues were about and was then sent down to the minors to work on his development, which turned out to be beneficial as he was very productive for AAA Charlotte after his demotion. That being said, being a stop gap option is exactly what he would be for 2020 before finding a player who could fill the role more full time in 2021 (or late 2020 for that matter). Collins is the future at catcher for the team, but his bat is too valuable to be left on the bench and plugging him in at DH works perfectly in the lineup. His power would be useful to the Sox on a daily basis so this move would make sense for both sides.
Eloy Jimenez
Yes, yes, another player that would be unfair to be called a stop gap option as he is also another future piece for the club, but it could be beneficial for Jimenez to make that move just for one season to develop his bat. Jimenez has already expressed that he does not want to be the DH, but the problem is that his defense is a liability. He also had dealt with some injuries in 2019 that might have prohibited him from developing his bat further and even possibly winning the Rookie of the Year award. That being said, his torrid September might be an indicator of what type of player he could be. Jimenez did hit 31 home runs in 2019 and that might not even be the ceiling for him. Who knows, he could become the full time DH in the future, but even for one season, it's not a bad idea.
Jose Abreu
After accepting the qualifying offer from the team, Abreu will remain with the White Sox, which many fans will be excited about including Abreu himself who has talked about how much he wants to stay around. That being said, how will be used in the lineup? Abreu's main value is his ability to drive in runs and hit balls into the bleachers, but not his defense. So if his bat is valued more, wouldn't it make sense to make him a DH? Absolutely, but he has also expressed that he wants to become a better first baseman and is a leader out on the field, so it's probably worth the gamble of starting him at first base. That being said, Abreu probably will become a full time DH once Andrew Vaughn is promoted in the near future.
Daniel Palka
This shouldn't even be taken serious. However, he is exactly who profiles as a DH as his defense is very subpar. Palka flashed his power with 27 home runs in 2018, but in 2019 he was abysmal at the plate not showing any adjustment at the plate. If he is even with the team in 2020, that will be shocking.
Matt Skole
Skole is very unlikely as well to not be taken serious to be considered an option. Skole was better at the plate than Palka, but hitting .208/.275/.236 in 27 games is hardly something to be proud about. While he does provide a left handed bat, Skole just didn't produce in 2019. He might get a chance in camp, but he won't be taken serious.
Most likely to be the starter: Collins. As it was laid out, it makes more sense to have Collins be the full-time DH in 2020 for him to develop his bat and get consistent playing time with James McCann probably getting most of the at bats at catcher unless the club goes out and gets another catcher off the free agent market. Jimenez and Abreu makes sense too, but Collins makes more sense.
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