(670 The Score) Newly signed White Sox infielder Josh Harrison “could very well be” the team’s Opening Day second baseman, general manager Rick Hahn said, but he also envisions Harrison being used elsewhere as the club looks to keep others fresh and optimize matchups.
“Josh is a versatile, quality ballplayer,” Hahn said Tuesday from White Sox camp in Arizona. “He gives us obviously the ability to play multiple infield positions, whether it’s on a regular basis at second, whether it’s playing some third base or even occasionally the corner outfield. We feel it gives Tony (La Russa) and the coaches more options to get us through the season and into October.
“Every step of the way he’s been known as a high-energy, positive influence in the clubhouse, and we’re happy to have him.”
Harrison officially signed a one-year, $5.5-million deal with the White Sox on Tuesday. He’ll earn $4 million in 2022, then the White Sox hold a $5.5-million club option for 2023 in a deal that also includes a $1.5-million buyout.
Harrison, 34, hit .279 with eight homers, 60 RBIs and a .741 OPS in 138 games split between Washington and Oakland in 2021. He was an All-Star in 2014 and 2017 and is a career .274 hitter with a .719 OPS.
Hahn didn’t go as far to say that Harrison will be the White Sox’s starting second baseman, but he’ll have the chance to earn the full-time job.
Veteran utilityman Leury Garcia also figures to get time at second base, as will Danny Mendick and perhaps even Jake Burger.
“He could be there on a regular basis,” Hahn said of Harrison. “Let’s just see how things unfold over the coming weeks.
“It’s important to have multiple options for Tony and the staff to choose from. If one guy – whether it’s Josh or somebody else – seizes that job, fantastic. That’s great. They’re going to earn it on merit, and we’ll go with the best lineup on a daily basis.”