The White Sox appear to be all-in on using Andrew Vaughn as the primary DH in 2021. With only 245 plate appearances in the minor leagues, none of them above High-A, it’s natural for White Sox fans to have some trepidation about using the third pick in the 2019 draft in such a prominent role. While Vaughn’s spring numbers are phenomenal, there is reason for concern as the team appears to be working without a plan B.
There’s a school of thought that says once you have a Plan B, you’ve already failed. However, most teams don’t operate with that mentality, so what alternatives are there? Let’s examine some of the options if it becomes evident that Vaughn could use a month or two at Triple-A Charlotte before locking down the DH role.
Zack Collins
Manager Tony La Russa says he only wants to keep two catchers on the roster. This a bit of semantics if someone like Collins hits enough to earn his way north, as he could fill the DH/third catcher role. Although with Madrigal coming off shoulder surgery, an extra utility infielder is strong possibility for the opening day roster.
The current lineup is screaming for a left-handed bat with some pop, so it’s telling that the organization is willing to hand the position to Vaughn, who has far less of a minor league pedigree than Collins. It also speaks volumes that Collins hasn’t received many opportunities since his standout 2019 season in Charlotte. In his last stint in the minors, the 10th overall pick in 2016, posted a wRC+ of 140, with an ISO of .265 and an OBP of .403. Collins’ major league statistics pale in comparison to those eye-popping numbers, but with only 120 plate appearances in the majors, it’s way too early to write him off. Regular at-bats for an extended period of time would provide enough data to make a final determination on his future. Right now, that is unlikely to take place.
Yermin Mercedes
Flashback to last spring, Mercedes was determined to make the MLB roster and had the performance at the dish to do it. The White Sox prefer a defensive-minded veteran in the primary back-up role, so 34-year-old veteran Jonathan Lucroy has the edge, but nothing has been pre-determined. At 28 years old this may be Mercedes’ last/best chance to crack a major league roster. A continuation of the solid spring he has turned in so far, coupled with mediocre performances by Collins and Lucroy may make that dream become a reality.
Gavin Sheets
At 6-foot-5 and 245 pounds, Sheets is an imposing presence on the diamond. In the early part of his minor league career, he struggled with the long ball. In 2019, he smacked 16 home runs in Birmingham, a place notoriously tough on hitters. A 122 wRC+ and an 18.8% strikeout rate only strengthen the case for the 24-year-old out of Wake Forest. The versatility to play first base and some outfield improves his chances. It may be challenging for Sheets to make the leap after a year off, but is he much different from anyone else in the mix outside of Vaughn?
Jake Burger
Burger making the major league roster after three years off the field, with even fewer plate appearances than Vaughn and two Achilles’ tendon ruptures would be the story of the year, maybe the decade. This fact didn’t stop La Russa from listing him as a potential candidate. If there is anything the last year has taught us it’s the impossible is highly probable.
Adam Engel/ Eloy Jimenez
One theory bandied about Twitter is having Adam Engel start in left and moving Eloy Jimenez to DH. Engel isn’t a full-time player, but if the nobody seizes the DH role, he is a viable short-term solution while the other players hone their craft at Triple-A. If the White Sox can’t generate offense out of the DH role, opting for run prevention makes some semblance of sense. White Sox chuckers will salivate at the thought of the defensive combination of Engel, Robert and Eaton from left to right.
Outside Alternatives
Deals are difficult to make in April and even more challenging when trade partners know a team is desperate, so it’s unlikely any quality bats will be available at a reasonable price. There are some free agents still unsigned. Do you want to take a flyer on a 37-year-old Nick Markakis? How about former MVP Ryan Braun? Did I hear someone say Yasiel Puig? No, well the White Sox can always revert back to Edwin Encarnación.
Triple-A Season Delay
The delay of the Triple-A season strengthens the case for Vaughn. With no place but the alternate site to get additional at-bats, it may be best for him to face live pitching at the major league level. After spending 2020 in Schaumburg, sending him there again doesn’t appear to have much value. With an OPS of .984 this spring, the ability to spray the ball to all fields and that swing, Vaughn has rendered these points moot. But things often change when the calendar shifts to April.
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It is definitely not Andrew Vaughn or bust for the White Sox DH in 2021. Many AL teams have chosen to use the DH role as a revolving one, often utilizing it among their regular starters to give them a “breather” from the field. The White Sox could easily do this in 2021 if Vaughn struggles. Eloy Jimenez, Jose Abreu and Yasmani Grandal are the three most obvious names that come to mind.
The White Sox could also utilize two of their backup “hit-first” catchers in a straight lefty-righty platoon with Zack Collins and Yermin Mercedes sharing the role. This would keep veterans Grandal and Jonathan Lucroy as the two primary starting catchers which is a likely outcome anyway. Grandal, Lucroy, Collins and Mercedes also provide backup options at 1B for Abreu if Vaughn remains at the White Sox alternate site and then at AAA to begin the 2021 season.
The outside options mentioned here are also in play although Nick Markakis just announced his retirement this morning. His name could easily be replaced by Yoenis Cespedes. The White Sox attended his recent showcase and could always bring him on board at some point which would make for an interesting story in the wake of the recent international signing of his half-brother Yoelkis. Yasiel Puig is the other remaining viable free agent with Ryan Braun seemingly ready to retire unless the Brewers give him a call. As Cubans, Cespedes or Puig would also be compelling additions to a White Sox team already chock full of the island natives.
Aaron, thanks for reading. There are some interesting names still unsigned and yes, the rotating DH is also a consideration. Vaughn has been playing well this Spring, so it’s looking more and more like he’ll win a roster spot.