The White Sox keep adding infield depth as spring training approaches. The team made their latest free agent signing official on Wednesday, announcing a minor-league deal with 33-year-old outfielder Brandon Guyer.
The right-handed hitter has played with the Rays and Cleveland, making his MLB debut in 2011.
The #WhiteSox have agreed to terms on a minor-league deal with OF Brandon Guyer. The deal includes a non-roster invitation to Spring Training.
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) February 6, 2019
Guyer was drafted by the Cubs in 2007, and was then traded to the Rays in a deal that brought Matt Garza to Chicago. Guyer’s best MLB season came in 2016, when he slashed .266/.372/.423, in 101 games. Guyer played in 38 games for Cleveland that season, posting a .907 OPS in 81 at bats.
In 2018, Guyer slashed .206/.300/.371, in 194 at bats. Overall in his career the right-handed hitter has recorded a .250 batting average, .339 OBP and .388 slugging.
So, what does that mean for the current group of outfielders for the White Sox? We know that star prospect Eloy Jimenez is going to be called up in April and free agent Jon Jay is going to get some playing time too. There’s Adam Engel, but he hasn’t shown the ability to hit during his MLB career and while Daniel Palka smashed his way into the hearts of White Sox fans during his rookie season, his defense is lacking. There’s also Nicky Delmonico, but he had a down 2018, and Leury Garcia is pretty much safe because of his versatility.
Guyer might have a chance to win a bench spot during spring training, but that’ll mean a guy like Delmonico probably ends up being the odd man out. But again, there’s going to be another roster change once the White Sox call up Jimenez a couple weeks into the regular season.
If there isn’t another big outfielder added (Bryce Harper) then Guyer could ultimately see some time in the big leagues with the White Sox in 2019. He’s mostly played the corner outfield spots during his career.
