White Sox Notes: Hays, Benintendi, Sosa, Vasil
The White Sox have made some significant moves in the off-season, including the signing of Austin Hays, a free agent outfielder, and the retention of Andrew Benintendi, who is in the final year of his contract. These moves are part of the team's rebuilding efforts, aiming to provide regular playing time and improve their outfield depth.
Hays, a semi-regular player for the Cincinnati Reds last season, signed a $6MM contract with the White Sox. He expressed his desire to play every day and regain his ability to play both sides of the ball, emphasizing his eagerness to contribute regularly. Hays' recent production has been platoon-dependent, with a strong performance against left-handed pitching and a less impressive showing against right-handed pitchers.
The White Sox's right field situation was already struggling before the Hays signing. Hays will play in the lineup against pitchers of either handedness and aims to reach 140 games played. His immediate focus is to reestablish himself as a viable everyday player, and he could become a midseason trade chip if he performs well.
Benintendi, on the other hand, is in the fourth season of a five-year deal that hasn't met expectations. He has struggled with lower-half injuries and has a .245/.309/.391 batting average in over 1600 plate appearances. The team is unlikely to trade him, as he is owed $31MM for the next two years. The White Sox will likely rely on their young catching duo, Kyle Teel and Edgar Quero, and Luisangel Acuña in center field.
The team's infield situation is also in flux. Lenyn Sosa, a 26-year-old infielder, is out of options and has a tricky role. He led the team with 22 home runs last season but struggled defensively at second base. Chase Meidroth is projected to start at second base, and Sosa is expected to remain on the right side of the infield. Munetaka Murakami will play regularly at first base, with right-handed bats Miguel Vargas and Sosa competing for roles at second and third base.
Sosa's future is uncertain, as the team has a redundancy of right-handed corner bats. He might be traded if another team is looking for a right-handed infield bat. Mike Vasil, a right-handed pitcher, is building up as a starter going into Spring Training. He worked mostly out of the bullpen last year but is expected to establish a starting routine in the minors. The team's front four pitchers include Shane Smith, Davis Martin, Anthony Kay, and Sean Burke, with Sean Newcomb as a versatile option.
