The White Sox will likely have to get creative to make additions to their roster in free agency.
But just because the Sox will eschew from the top of the free-agent market doesn’t mean that there aren’t other avenues that the team can explore.
The Sox can use their depth at catcher to improve one of their corner infield spots, acquire a left-handed bat or a back-of-the-rotation starter. When general manager Getz acquired Kyle Teel, the idea was that he’d be the catcher of the future. But with Edgar Quero already in the organization, there is some surplus that could work to the team’s advantage this winter if a trade were to present itself.
“Those are all conversations that we have,” Getz said at the general managers’ meetings. “I can’t say that there’s a perfect answer right now other than catching is gold, and I’ve always felt that way. Nothing has changed on that front because catching markets on a regular basis are…you guys have seen the names and teams that haven’t been able to find production in that position.
“To have three guys who can be quality catchers at the major league level. There could be a time for reallocation or repurpose to make the roster a little bit more functional. Is that time now? I don’t think so. But down the road, you never know.”
That could be a bit of posturing for Getz to maintain leverage in trade talks as the winter meetings rapidly approach. But regardless, the Sox have their clear backstop of the future (Teel), so why not deal from a position of strength when there’s deficiencies throughout the roster?
Teel was the centerpiece of the Garrett Crochet trade, showed significant defensive improvement, and has an impact bat. But it’s reasonable to think the Sox should decide between Korey Lee and Quero.
For starters, manager Will Venable wasn’t too keen on playing both Quero and Teel together in the lineup — Quero was a designated hitter in 29 games — because under major-league rules, if Quero or Teel were to get injured during a game, the Sox would have to forfeit the DH spot for the remainder of the game, forcing their pitcher to hit.
That conundrum is partly why the team called up Lee as insurance. But the Sox took the risk because Quero and Teel are two of their best bats. Quero batted .268/.333/.356 with a .689 OPS. Teel batted .273/.375/.411 with a .786 OPS.
But with Teel having more upside, it’s better for the long-term health of the organization to prioritize his development.That’s where a trade makes sense for the Sox. Quero is young enough and has shown enough two-way ability that he could fetch the Sox something of significance.
There’s also the issue of the DH spot for the Sox. Left fielder Andrew Benintendi no longer resembles the Gold Glove-caliber defender he was and has finished each of the last three seasons with a negative outs above average.
His defensive decline, coupled with recurring Achilles irritation, has made the days of him manning left field regularly likely over, which could make the DH spot a way for Benintendi to receive regular at-bats. But if Benintendi is DH’ing more than playing the field, then that would eat at Quero’s at-bats.
“Our hope is that he’s going to be able to play the outfield, but with that being said, it would be silly for us to not focus on those areas just based on recent history,” Getz said.
If Quero is squeezed out at two different spots — and Lee is capable of being the backup catcher — the Sox would be wise to use their surplus to upgrade at other positions this winter.