Recently Mike Axisa of CBS Sports wrote an article detailing the best landing spots for the remaining free agent sluggers. Some fits included Pedro Alvarez to the Rangers, Chris Carter to the Rockies and Mark Reynolds to the Rays.
As for the Chicago White Sox, Axisa suggested that the team should sign Brandon Moss. Axisa wrote:
Yes, the White Sox are rebuilding. They also have a massive opening at designated hitter and a need for corner outfield depth too. Brandon Moss can solve both roster problems, and as an added bonus, he could serve as trade bait at midseason. A year ago Moss hit 28 home runs with a .225/.300/.484 (105 OPS+) batting overall, including .223/.303/.525 (120 OPS+) against righties. The ChiSox have nothing to gain by playing Cody Asche, their current projected starter, at DH. Moss might at least slug his way into some trade value.
Moss has been in the MLB for the past 10 years, playing for the Red Sox, Pirates, Phillies, Athletics, Indians and Cardinals. In his 898 career games, Moss has hit .241 with 138 home runs and 423 RBIs. He was named to the 2014 All Star Game.
Moss would likely be the team’s starting right fielder going into 2017. He would offer the team a spark of power in the middle of the lineup. A 3-4-5 of Frazier, Abreu and Moss would be one of the most dangerous in the MLB.
While Moss’ signing would likely give some fans playoff hopes, there is a very small chance he makes it the whole season with the Sox. He offers not only a power bat, but positional versatility. A team in the middle of their playoff push could certainly make a move for a first baseman/outfielder with power.
Moss would provide veteran leadership for however long he is on the White Sox. The former Cardinal would be able to mentor some of the team’s younger stars. That experience could help in the development of Chicago’s top prospects.
It is not yet known if Moss would be interested in signing with the White Sox. But he has seen a lack of interest on the free agent market. He could look to sign a one year deal with a team option. That would allow him to prove that he still has gas left in the tank, making teams more willing to trade/sign him.
The Chicago White Sox have been focused on trading their top stars for future prospects. But adding Brandon Moss gives the team yet another vital trade piece.
As the team builds for the future, Brandon Moss could be the perfect signing for the White Sox. His 2017 production and veteran leadership would be sweet, but the trade package the South Siders receive for the former All Star would be even sweeter.
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