Outfielder Adam Eaton Heads Back To The South Side Of Chicago, Agrees To A 1-Year Contract

By Jordan Long

The Chicago White Sox have been one of the busiest teams so far in the MLB offseason.  They have a new manager in Tony La Russa who replaces Rick Renteria.  After that, the White Sox acquired right handed pitcher Lance Lynn.  Now they have agreed to a contract with outfielder Adam Eaton.

The White Sox knew they wanted to improve the outfield to increase their chances of advancing further in the postseason.  They could have signed outfielders Michael Brantley or Joc Pederson but those two are All-Stars.  Their cost was going to be too high.  They decided to go with Eaton, agreeing to a  1-year, $7 million contract with a club option for 2022.

Eaton is familiar with playing for the White Sox.  He was with them from 2014 to 2016. He spent the past 4 years in Washington.  He helped them capture the World Series in 2019.  Last season in a shortened year, Eaton hit .226 with 4 home runs and 17 RBI’s.  Eaton added 1 triple and 11 doubles. 

The White Sox didn’t get him for his power on offense.  They know he is not a home run hitter.   Eaton smacked 60 home runs in his career.  Rather he is a consistent baserunner who can hit the ball in the gap and move his teammates into scoring position or score them.  Eaton totaled 157 doubles and 44 triples in his career.  Those numbers should help the White Sox’s offense to extend leads in games.  Those will be more victories for the White Sox and could help them win the American League Central Division.

When it comes to fielding, Eaton can play anywhere in the outfield.  He is more comfortable at right field and is expected to be the everyday right fielder for the White Sox.  Last year he appeared in 41 games at centerfield for the Nationals.  He totaled 1 error.  Baserunners don’t try to run on him because of his strong arm.  They know if they try to advance a base, there is the possibility Eaton will throw them out trying to move up.Eaton is hoping to help this team win.  The worst case is he is only in Chicago for 1 year before he is a free agent once again. 

                These early moves in the offseason for Chicago show the White Sox are trying to win now.  They haven’t moved past the Wild Card round since 2008.  That year they were knocked off in the American League Division Series by the Tampa Bay Rays.  The White Sox are hoping they can make it back to the World Series and win it for the first time since 2005.