(670 The Score) With four more years of experience and a World Series title to his name, White Sox outfielder Adam Eaton believes he’s bringing a new perspective in his second stint on the South Side.
Eaton on Thursday officially signed a one-year, $7-million contract to rejoin the White Sox, for whom he played for from 2014-’16. The deal includes an $8.5-million team option for 2022 and a $1-million buyout if the option is declined, guaranteeing Eaton at least $8 million in all.
Eaton both caused and faced clubhouse turbulence in his first stint with the White Sox, who believe he’s a more mature player and person this time around. He’s expected to play a big role in filling the void in right field after the White Sox recently non-tendered Nomar Mazara following his poor season.
"Eaton was a person we were interested in for a number of reasons,” general manger Rick Hahn said. “We wanted to increase our production in the outfield and not compromise defense in doing that. Adam we feel fills both needs while still allowing us to acquire more people to complete our roster. We have (economic) flexibility throughout this season and through future seasons.”
Eaton, 32, rubbed some teammates the wrong way while previously playing for the White Sox, and his troubles included a physical confrontation with former teammate Todd Frazier. Eaton believes that type of behavior is now behind him after he spent the past four seasons with the Washington Nationals, who won the title in 2019.
“It's four years later, and I have been a World Series champion,” Eaton said. “I have two little boys now. I believe everyone matures differently and mature at different stages of their life. I feel like I am no different."
Hahn expressed no worry about how Eaton will fit in with his teammates this time around.
"I know that narrative is out there,” Hahn said. “That really isn't a concern for those of us who were with him during his tenure here. Adam, as you may know, plays with an edge. He has a chip on his shoulder. When we spoke the other night, he brought up again that he was a 19th-round pick. He is a guy who has always been doubted. So he has always played with the idea that he must prove to you that perception is wrong.”
So what has changed about Eaton this time?
“I always tried to be as genuine as I can be growing up,” Eaton said. “But I learned having a better bedside manner with both younger and older players goes a long way. I learned that with Howie Kendrick and Max Scherzer. They have a big trophy room, so to have them help mentor me and help me become a leader was huge for me. Most importantly, I learned that everyone must be pulling in the same direction and playing for one and another."
Eaton hit .226 with four homers, 17 RBIs and a .669 OPS in 41 games in 2020. He hit .279 with 15 homers, 49 RBIs and a .792 OPS in 151 games in 2019.
Eaton would like to be the everyday right fielder but also added he’s happy to fill whatever role that new manager Tony La Russa asks of him.
The White Sox traded Eaton to the Nationals in December 2016 for right-hander Lucas Giolito, right-hander Reynaldo Lopez and right-hander Dane Dunning. Giolito has emerged as the team’s ace, while the White Sox on Tuesday officially traded Dunning to the Texas Rangers for right-hander Lance Lynn, who’s coming off two really strong seasons and fortifies their rotation.
Now, Eaton is back to play with two of the same players whom he was traded for and a newcomer who’s here because of the return that Eaton brought.
"This has been quite the circle,” Eaton said. “I was traded for the pieces they have in place, and now we get Lynn for one of those pieces. To come back now and have a reunion is pretty remarkable. I don't think it happens very often in this way, shape or form. I am excited to contribute and be a part of that puzzle. These guys appear to have this amazing aura about them. It seems they have a really tight-knit group. The guys play for one another, I am told. They want to win, so I am just excited about being a part of that.”
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.