By Jordan Long
The Chicago White Sox are 51-35, the top record in the American League Central Division. They lead the Cleveland Indians by 8 games. Even though Chicago is playing well, they decided it was time to designate veteran outfielder Adam Eaton for an assignment which will end his time in the south side of Chicago.
Eaton agreed to a 1-year, $8 million contract with the White Sox in the offseason. He had played for the South Side before in 2014 to 2016. Eaton was anticipating helping the White Sox outfield. He can play right or center field which was going to give Manager Tony La Russa flexibility in the outfield.
It didn’t work out. Eaton has played most of the season in right field, appearing in 55 games. His glove has been a problem with 4 errors, far too many. Eaton can throw the baseball in from right field with 2 outfield assists.
Chicago hoped Eaton’s offense would help the White Sox score runs especially with his ability to drive the ball to the outfield. Unfortunately, Eaton struggled at the plate hitting .201, barely above the Mendoza Line. He smacked 5 home runs and added 28 RBI’s. His offense was part of the reason they decided to part ways. Eaton has also spent time on the injured list with a hamstring injury, hurting his ability to return to the lineup, appearing in 58 games to this point.
According to ESPN.com, Manager Tony La Russa said, “Very difficult organizational decision. To have a veteran sit around, not playing, goes against why he was brought here. It’s just the reality of the some of the development of our young guys more than anything.”
The White Sox have depth and this move will not impact them. Andrew Vaughn can handle the outfield. In 64 games in left field, he has yet to record an error. They also count on rookie Gavin Sheets to play at right field as well. It was best to let them develop at the Major League level and let Eaton go.
Eaton now can wait and see if he is a fit for any baseball team. Franchises may call him because they need a veteran hitter. He is not an everyday player anymore. The best case for him is a team picks him up and he is a bench player who will hit when games are tight in the late innings as a veteran hitter. He still might be able to play a few games in the outfield.
The only problem with any of this is the hamstring injury. Those injuries are difficult to deal with. Who knows when and if he will be 100% healthy. Eaton should have a chance to be on a team for the rest of the year. Hopefully, a franchise takes a chance, especially a team that is in a position to be in the playoffs. Eaton could be the difference in them making a long postseason run, even if it is coming off the bench.
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