Chicago White Sox: Signing Marcell Ozuna would be a smart move

A Dominican reporter has indicated that the Chicago White Sox are one of eight teams interested in Marcell Ozuna and he would be a great fit.

Let’s just get it out of the way. Everyone is going to knock on Marcell Ozuna‘s defense but the fact of the matter is that he had a 0.979 fielding percentage and logged 129 games in left field this past season. Chicago White Sox fans need not look much further than Eloy Jimenez and his 0.985 fielding percentage in 114 games. The point being that both these players’ bats more than makeup for what they may lack in the field.

A recent report has surfaced from down in the Dominican Republic that the White Sox are one of eight teams interested in the soon to be free agent. Ozuna, 28, has spent the last two seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals and slashed 0.241/0.328/0.472 with 23 doubles, 29 home runs, and 89 RBI in 130 games in 2019.

The White Sox outfield has not caught up to the infield’s potential but the signing of a veteran player like Ozuna would definitely accelerate things. With the expected arrival of Luis Robert in 2020, playing time would get a bit tricky. However, Leury Garcia has had plenty of time to prove himself and 84 OPS+ this season has left a lot to be desired, not to mention his 0.960 fielding percentage in right field.

Adam Engel could potentially be moved this offseason to make room for Luis Robert, who has been playing most of his time in the minors at the centerfield position. That would certainly open up a spot in the outfield with Eloy Jimenez sliding over to right field so Ozuna can play left field. Ultimately, it’s going to come down to cost and his projected market value currently sits at an $18.1 million AAV, which over the course of 6 or 7 years, rounds out near $125 million.

Still, if the White Sox let Jose Abreu walk this offseason, they will need to replace his production in the lineup and Ozuna can be that guy. Heck, if you’re that concerned about Ozuna’s defense, play him permanently as the designated hitter and just let him focus on driving in runs.