The White Sox made a huge flash early on in the offseason as they signed the top catching free agent on the market by bringing on switch-hitting catcher Yasmani Grandal on for four years and $73 million. These are the types of signings a serious contending side would make as Grandal brings so much to the table for the Pale Hose.
Grandal slashed .246/.380/.468 while also hitting 28 home runs, 26 doubles, and drove in 77 RBIs, but he also walked a staggering 109 times in 2019. However, one of the biggest reasons why he was signed outside of his production at the plate was for his pitch framing. He has been highly rated for his pitch framing as he ranked second in 2019 among all catchers at 17.0.
With Grandal now in the mix, the White Sox now have lots of flexibility in the lineup. While this will undoubtedly make James McCann the backup, but it doesn't mean McCann won't get a fair share of at bats, quite the opposite actually as on days a left handed pitcher faces the Sox, McCann can slot in at designated hitter or when Grandal plays at first base. McCann will also likely be to catch when Lucas Giolito is on the mound as he could become Giolito's personal catcher as McCann helped aid the future ace's development. And with Zack Collins and Yermin Mercedes in the mix at catcher, it gives the Pale Hose a lot to work with at catcher and designated hitter, plus it could help spell Jose Abreu at first base from time to time when rest is needed for the slugger. There's a lot to work with here now that Grandal is with the team especially with the multiple options at DH. Another thing Grandal adds is more balance to the lineup as he can bat from both sides of the plate.
Speaking of Zack Collins, he has been training with Grandal since he was a teenager and this could help further his development. Grandal will be giving the youngster some hitting advice and also with his play behind the plater (especially in the framing department). That being said, he and McCann will also help mentor the young and talented pitchers the Sox have too, which in part could help Collins learn how to catch those same pitchers.
As laid out, this was a fantastic signing for the Sox, but it should get fans more giddy about the forthcoming moves the team makes for 2020. Grandal has also said what pitchers to go out and get to the front office which could mean that we haven't seen the end of the Sox making a few more splash moves this offseason. This signing was step one, now let's see who else the team gets.
What's not to like about this move?
Kommentare