The utility man had a tough 2022 campaign after signing a three-year contract in the offseason.
The Houston Astros eliminated the Chicago White Sox in four games in the 2021 ALDS. However, the series brought about Chicago's first home playoff game in 13 years. Leury Garcia played hero in Game 3 with a three-run homer to dead center that propelled the Sox to a 12-6 victory — their only win of the series. Garcia had a career year in 2021 when he slashed .267/.335/376 and accumulated 2.2 WAR. It was good enough for the White Sox to re-sign the utility to a three-year, $16 million deal.
A Disappointing Year
The 2022 season played out much differently for the White Sox and Garcia. In sync with the team's underwhelming showing as a whole, Garcia vastly underperformed. The switch-hitter appeared in 97 games — 76 as a starter and 21 as a sub. He slashed an abysmal .210/.233/.500 with -1 WAR. Garcia didn't have a stellar performance in the field either. Instead, he maintained his usual routine of barely average defensive. Per Statmuse, the White Sox had a record of 48-49 with Garcia in 2022.
In summary, Garcia followed up his best year as a pro with the worst season of his career. Nevertheless, he is the White Sox's longest-tenured player and will reprise his role as a utility man in 2023. Like many of his teammates, it needs to be clarified which version of Garcia will return.
Final Grade: F+
What's On Tap Next?
The Chicago White Sox are likely done making any additional offseason acquisitions, and Leury Garcia is under contract for two more seasons. He will have much to prove to the front office and fans in 2023. The 28-year-old provided little – if any – value filling in due to injuries and regular players' days off, which is the primary purpose of a utility man. The White Sox can ill afford another underperforming year as their rebuild enters its seventh year.
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