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Ranking the Chicago White Sox Off-Season Moves

By Jeremy Karll

Feb 25, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Chicago White Sox third baseman Todd Frazier (21) takes batting practice during a workout at Camelback Ranch Practice Fields. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 25, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Chicago White Sox third baseman Todd Frazier (21) takes batting practice during a workout at Camelback Ranch Practice Fields. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dioner Navarro Signed to a One-year, $4 Million Deal

Oct 11, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Toronto Blue Jays catcher Dioner Navarro hits a double against the Texas Rangers in the third inning in game three of the ALDS at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 11, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Toronto Blue Jays catcher Dioner Navarro hits a double against the Texas Rangers in the third inning in game three of the ALDS at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

The White Sox decided to move from Tyler Flowers this past off-season after many years of getting nearly no production out of him. One of the two catchers they signed this off-season was Dioner Navarro, who most recently played with the Toronto Blue Jays.

Navarro has been a backup for most of his career, including last season in which he was the backup to Russell Martin. Navarro only recently turned 32-years old, which is not a good sign as that is when a lot of catchers start to decline. If last season was any sign, then the decline has already started for Navarro.

Navarro only appeared in 54 games for the Blue Jays last season, owning a slash line of .246/.307/.374. However, Navarro was brought in by Chicago because of his success against lefties, as he is a switch hitter. In his career, Navarro has a slash line of .270/.336/.439 against lefties, very good for someone who has been a backup for most of his career. He will be behind the plate for most games the Sox take on a left-handers, and could come in late in games for defensive purposes.

Navarro, despite his huge size (5’9″, 205 pounds), is a very good defensive catcher. He won’t win a Gold Glove, but his fielding percentage of .985 last season is very impressive. As well as the fact that he threw out 39 percent of base runners. He has a solid arm from behind the plate, which will be a nice upgrade from Flowers who only threw out 25 percent of base runners.

Navarro and Alex Avila are going to be in a platoon system this season. He comes into this season with a lot of wear and tear on him and staying healthy will be a key factor to the Sox’ success this season. He is a proven veteran, something the Sox have needed at the catcher position, although $4 million was a little more than I would have liked to pay him. However, it’s not a terrible deal and if he can bounce back then it won’t be as bad of a deal. Besides, after years of Tyler Flowers, expectations are low from that position.

Next: Number 4: Alex Avila Signing

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