Chicago White Sox: Multiple options at second base for 2022
By Chip Egan
Now that the season is over, it’s time to start looking at the future and what adjustments the Chicago White Sox will need to make in order to get back to the playoffs in 2022. One position that needs to be addressed is second base where Cesar Hernandez and Leury Garcia split time. Both are free agents, although there is a club option on Hernandez for 2022.
Hernandez was the American League Gold Glove second baseman in 2020 with Cleveland and his defensive stability was something the White Sox were banking on after Nick Madrigal was injured then dealt to the Cubs.
Hernandez performed well in the field but his bat seemed to go missing in action. After hitting 18 homers for the Indians earlier this season, Hernandez managed only three after joining the White Sox while finishing with a .232 batting average in 53 games to go along with 45 strikeouts in 194 at-bats.
Garcia was a virtual “Mr. Everything” for the Sox, starting 58 games in the outfield, 33 at second base, 18 at shortstop, and 8 at third base. He started all four games in the playoffs against Houston either at second or in right field. Garcia had a decent year at the plate hitting .267 with five homers and 54 RBI.
The Chicago White Sox needs to find a new second baseman for the 2022 season.
What makes this a position of need is Hernandez did not provide the offensive boost the Sox hoped he might bring and Garcia’s versatility provided the team with depth at several positions but not enough to be an everyday player at one spot.
General Manager Rick Hahn has several options he can go with to fill this position. He could opt to bring both players back, make a trade, or turn to the free-agent market where he might be able to hit pay dirt.
There are some good options available on the market and only time will tell if Hahn pulls the trigger on bringing one of them in. Out of the number of free agents to consider, here are a few of the players who could provide what the White Sox need to upgrade the position: