The White Sox have their first major league deal of the offseason.
As first reported by MLB insider Jon Heyman, the team has agreed to terms with veteran outfielder Austin Slater. James Fegan of SoxMachine says that Slater, who has passed his physical, will earn a base salary of $1.75 million with the ability to earn $500,000 in performance bonuses.
Slater, 31, was originally drafted in the eighth round by the Giants in 2014 and remained in their organization through last season. He made his debut in 2017 and finally had a breakthrough during the 2020 campaign when he slashed .282/.408/.506 with a 150 wRC+ and 1.0 fWAR in 31 of the team’s 60 games. Slater continued his success after the COVID-shortened season and appeared in 343 games from 2021 to 2023. In that span, he hit .257/.345/.412 with 24 homers, 86 RBI, 113 wRC+, and 3.4 bWAR.
AUSTIN SLATER TO SAVE THE NO HITTER! pic.twitter.com/TKTfbWaYYE
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) August 30, 2023
The 2024 season was a bit of a different story as the veteran split time between the Giants, Reds, and Orioles. While with the trio of teams, Slater hit a combined .209/.321/.266 with a 76 wRC+ and -0.1 fWAR in 212 plate appearances. Though not impressive overall, the outfielder did look closer to his former self during the second half after joining Baltimore. Albeit on the smaller end, the 33-game sample size is still promising as the veteran slashed .246/.342/.333 with a 102 wRC+ and 0.5 bWAR in 79 plate appearances.
Austin Slater FC pic.twitter.com/zOmiIZunwe
— Jimmy (@FlynnJimmy__) November 18, 2024
Heading into the 2025 season, Slater stays connected to former Orioles hitting coach Ryan Fuller as he looks to continue his bounce-back performance. It remains to be seen what this signing ultimately means for the White Sox and their outfield situation. With Andrew Benintendi pretty much a lock for left field, Slater likely sees time in right field as a platoon option, especially against left-handed pitching who he’s put up noticeably better results against in the past.
Since this is a major league deal, Slater will be added to the White Sox’s 40-man roster once it becomes official. However, a corresponding move won’t be necessary, as the roster currently stands at 36.
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Featured Photo: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
Garbage picking at it’s best….