So far Rick Hahn has hit on his free agent list this offseason, signing Yasmani Grandal, Dallas Keuchel and Gio Gionzalez, but the White Sox still want to add one more big bat to their lineup.
They’ve been in on free agent Edwin Encarnacion for a while and they might even be the favorites to sign him at this point.
You can take the Blue Jays off the list as they signed Travis Shaw Sunday.
The interest from the White Sox is obvious, coming after a season when they had embarrassing production from their DH position.
In 2019, White Sox DHs slashed .208/.284/.362, with 17 hone runs, ranking dead last in the American League in slugging % and OPS.
Although the White Sox have been in active talks with the right-handed slugger, don’t expect a signing to happen relatively soon. Encarnacion’s father recently passed away, so baseball obviously isn’t his top priority at the moment.
Encarnacion, who will be 37-years-old next season, has been one of the most consistent power hitters in the majors for the past decade, smashing at least 32 home runs in eight straight years. And although he doesn’t hit for a high batting average, Encarnacion has maintained his OBP above .350 in the last three seasons.
He’d be a good addition to the White Sox not just because he hits dingers in his sleep, but it could allow some rest for Jose Abreu as well.
