The Chicago White Sox technically have enough outfield depth to manage without Andrew Benintendi while he recovers from a broken hand. However, Benintendi remains optimistic about returning by Opening Day.
“Hopefully it’s less than four weeks … I want to be out there by Opening Day, but time will tell,” he said. “I’m not worried at all … There’s a time and a place to play through some stuff, and right now is not the time.”
Even if he misses six weeks, a short rehab assignment could have him back by mid-April. Still, the White Sox front office should consider adding another outfielder to strengthen the 26-man roster.
The main reason? The team needs any offensive boost it can find on the free-agent market. Before a recent offensive surge, the White Sox struggled to hit in spring training—concerning since hitters usually perform ahead of pitchers at this stage. Chicago currently ranks near the bottom of MLB in OPS during spring training, and any lineup missing Luis Robert Jr. has looked like something out of Major League.
Despite budget limitations, GM Chris Getz should explore offensive upgrades. While the Sox already have Austin Slater, Michael A. Taylor, and Mike Tauchman on major-league deals, the lineup still lacks power.
After a disastrous 121-loss season in 2024, no roster spot should be untouchable. That’s why the White Sox should consider signing Alex Verdugo.
At 29, Verdugo could provide a short-term left-handed power boost while Benintendi is sidelined. Manager Will Venable has been looking to balance a right-handed-heavy lineup, which is why the Sox have also shown interest in Joey Gallo. Additionally, rookie Colson Montgomery may have an edge in the shortstop battle due to his left-handed bat.
Last season, Verdugo slashed .233/.291/.356 with 13 home runs for the Yankees. His .356 slugging percentage was his lowest since 2018, when he was just breaking into the majors. While he has never reached 20 home runs in a season, he consistently hits double digits, and the Sox desperately need help getting the ball in the air—something Gavin Sheets struggled with last year.
Verdugo’s career numbers against right-handed pitching are slightly better than Benintendi’s, and since both handle lefties reasonably well, they could rotate at DH rather than one being benched based on matchups. The only reason to sit either would be if they struggle at the plate, as Benintendi did in early 2024.
Defensively, Verdugo is an upgrade. He saved eight defensive runs in left field last season and has a neutral career Outs Above Average at the position.
Former baseball executive Jim Bowden previously suggested the Sox sign Verdugo, so the idea isn’t far-fetched. However, Verdugo remains unsigned, as he’s reportedly hoping for a return to New York.
For the White Sox, it all comes down to cost. Given how cautious the front office has been with spending this offseason, a Verdugo signing seems unlikely. A more realistic scenario? Seeing Corey Julks get another opportunity to start the season instead.
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