The White Sox and Chris Getz continue to add players to the Spring Training roster, as we are only one week away from pitchers and catchers reporting. Last year, Getz had more guys than usual in Spring Training to up the competition, and this year seems to be no different.
However, the newest addition to the Spring Training roster has had a very successful major league career, and could be a very solid addition to the roster if he makes the team. The White Sox have announced they signed infielder Brandon Drury to a minor league deal.
The Chicago White Sox have agreed to terms with INFs Brandon Drury and Tristan Gray on minor-league contracts which include non-roster invites to Spring Training.
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) February 7, 2025
This is a fantastic signing for the White Sox, as it is a low-risk, high-reward type of deal. Since it is only a minor league deal, the White Sox aren’t on the hook for anything if he does not pan out. However, if he does make the roster, he likely will be a very solid contributor.
Drury is still relatively young, as he is only 32 and will be for most of the major league season. Also, unlike some of the other minor league deals, Drury is only one year removed from a good major league season.
In 2023, his first year with the Angels, he hit .262 with 26 homeruns and 83 RBIs as a versatile infielder. Those are fantastic numbers and would be some of the best on the White Sox. Drury also had a fantastic 2022 season that saw him win a silver slugger award, as he hit .263 with 28 homers and 87 RBIs.
2024 was an off-year for Drury, as he played in just 97 games. He did not fare well in those games, but he was likely dealing with injuries. His 2022 and 2023 campaigns give more of an indication of the type of player he can be when he is heathy.
Brandon Drury is an interesting Free Agent we haven’t heard much about this offseason.
He dealt with lingering hamstring issues and illnesses in 2024, but from ‘22-‘23, Drury was a .262/.313/.495 bat with a 119 wRC+
Offers defensive versatility having played 123 errorless… pic.twitter.com/h4qR4buG4u
— Kick Dirt Baseball (@KickDirtBB) January 27, 2025
If Drury can show he is heathy and play similarly to how he did in 2023, he could get the White Sox a very good prospect at the deadline, as teams would love a versatile power hitting infielder for their push into the playoffs.
The White Sox have a lot of competition for only a few infield spots, but Drury has proven he can play above average defense at all of the infield positions. When you combine that with the ability to hit 25+ homeruns, he offers nice upside while a prospect gets ready for their major league debut.
Drury has a good chance of making this team, especially if the prospects show they aren’t ready for the major leagues quite yet.
