One former White Sox outfielder has found a new home.
The San Diego Padres announced on Friday evening that they have signed Adam Engel to a one-year major league contract. It is not yet known how much the deal is worth, as the team elected not to disclose the information in their press release.
Engel was a career .225/.280/.350 hitter with 30 home runs and 123 RBI in six seasons with the White Sox. Never known for his bat, the 31-year-old slashed just below that mark this past season as he finished with two home runs, 17 RBI, 63 wRC+, -0.1 fWAR, and 0.0 bWAR in 119 games.
The fourth outfielder became a free agent at the end of the 2022 season after the White Sox elected to non-tender him rather than bring him back for arbitration. He was projected to earn a deal worth roughly $2.3 million had he returned to the South Side.
When healthy, Engel provided value as the team’s fourth outfielder. He was able to play all three spots thanks to his above-average defense by Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) and was a solid late-game option off the bench thanks to his decent speed. While a certain section of the fanbase once fought for Engel to get his chance as the starting right fielder, this past season’s performance likely provided most with the reassurance that a player with more consistent offensive production would be more suitable.
Since his departure, the White Sox have notably signed outfielder Andrew Benintendi to the largest deal in franchise history. The new acquisition will lock up left field for the next five years, as prospect Oscar Colas appears slated to become the starting right fielder barring any additional moves.
The Sox have also completed a trio of minor-league deals for Victor Reyes, Billy Hamilton, and Jake Marisnick to serve in what would have been Engel’s role. Though none of those three offer a better offensive solution, Hamilton and Marisnick will continue to provide value defensively and on the basepaths. One more additional move for a player such as Adam Duvall or Robbie Grossman would provide the added benefit of a more offensively-proven option to the depth.
Though no rumors have surfaced just yet regarding additional moves for the White Sox, we will continue to provide coverage on all platforms. Follow us on social media @SoxOn35th for more!
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