(670 The Score) With pitchers and catchers set to report to spring training next week, we're breaking down the White Sox's roster as they enter the new season. Today, we start with a look at the team's infield.
Who's back?
The White Sox return most of their infield from 2018 in the form of first baseman Jose Abreu, second baseman Yoan Moncada, shortstop Tim Anderson and third baseman Yolmer Sanchez. They all made 114 starts or more at those respective positions last season.
Also back are utilityman Leury Garcia -- who's capable of playing second, shortstop, third base and all three outfield positions -- and backup infielder Jose Rondon.
Welington Castillo returns at catcher after serving an 80-game suspension in 2018 for a performance-enhancing drug violation.
Who's new?
The White Sox acquired Yonder Alonso from the Indians in a December trade. He'll provide some much-needed power from the left side of the plate while platooning at first base with Abreu and getting at-bats in the designated hitter slot.
The White Sox also added catcher James McCann on a one-year deal. He'll platoon with Castillo and replace Omar Narvaez, whom the White Sox shipped to the Mariners as part of a trade to acquire reliever Alex Colome. McCann, 28, had an ugly .581 OPS in 118 games in 2018 but will bring a quality understanding of the AL Central to the White Sox, as he spent the previous five seasons with the Tigers.
Nick Madrigal, the White Sox's first-round pick in the 2018 amateur draft, could join the big league team by late summer. Madrigal projects as a cornerstone middle infielder for years to come. If he's the second baseman of the future, that would necessitate a shift of Moncada to third base.
Of course, the entire complexion of the White Sox's infield would change if they land star free agent Manny Machado, for whom they remain a finalist. It's unclear if he would become the regular shortstop or third baseman for Chicago. Machado played 147 games at shortstop last season, though he primarily played third base in the first five full seasons of his career.
Gone is first baseman/third baseman/designated hitter Matt Davidson, who hit 20 homers in 2018 before the White Sox non-tendered him in the offseason.
Position battles
A Machado signing would have a trickle-down effect, creating more competition elsewhere. The arrival of Madrigal, whenever it occurs, will also lead to increased competition.
Even without those two in the picture, there are some moving parts.
At first base, Abreu has already agreed to platoon with Alonso, even though Abreu prefers not to serve as the designated hitter. Neither Abreu nor Alonso has plus range in the field, though Abreu did improve defensively in 2018.
Also factoring into the designated hitter mix is Daniel Palka, who made 40 starts in that spot and another 62 in the outfield in 2018. Palka hit 27 homers last season.
There's some intrigue regarding the immediate future of the middle infield beyond Machado. Anderson will be the starting shortstop if Machado doesn't sign with Chicago, but a position change could be on the horizon for Moncada, who played second base in all 149 of his games in 2018. The White Sox have already discussed moving Moncada from second to third -- where two-way range is less important -- and Madrigal's pending ascension only figures to make that desire stronger. Moving Moncada in the middle of the season could be tricky, so their approach in spring training will be telling.
While not quite an everyday player, Sanchez projects as the primary man to fill whichever second base/third base position that Moncada doesn't fill.
All of that means manager Rick Renteria will have to get creative with his lineups.
2019 outlook
The progress of Anderson and Moncada will be top of mind in 2019. Defensively, the two have left a lot to be desired.
Anderson had 20 errors and 0 defensive runs saved in 2018, which ranked 14th among 22 qualifying MLB shortstops, per Fangraphs. Anderson did begin making routine plays better in the second half of the season as the White Sox stressed an improved focus. Moncada had minus-5 defensive runs saved, which ranked 14th of 16 qualifying players, per Fangraphs.
Anderson and Moncada both have speed and power, traits that are encouraging moving forward. Anderson had 20 homers and 26 steals last season, becoming the first White Sox shortstop to reach the 20-20 threshold. He posted a .281 on-base percentage and .687 OPS, numbers that need to improve. Anderson has the potential to be an offensive force if he finds consistency.
Moncada struck out an MLB-high 217 times and posted a .315 on-base percentage and .714 OPS in 2018. For him, the goal is to attack the ball earlier in at-bats and when he has favorable counts like 2-1 and 3-1. Like Anderson, he has a high ceiling if he can find his untapped potential.
Abreu, 32, is in the final year of his contract. He could sign an extension or be moved at the trade deadline depending on the teams progress. Abreu is admired and well-respected by ownership, management, the coaching staff and teammates.
Alonso should bring more power and production to a lineup that was too often anemic last season. The White Sox are also hoping that Castillo and McCann can add a little pop. Both averaged double-digit homers before they each struggled in 2018.
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.
