The Chicago White Sox have agreed to terms on a minor-league deal with outfielder Brett Phillips, per Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. The contract will become a major-league pact if Phillips makes the team out of Spring Training. Phillips' deal is worth $1.2 million if he breaks camp with the White Sox.
This acquisition is in line with the theme of the White Sox offseason. General manager Chris Getz has focused on glove-first athletic players to bolster the Sox' defense and improve team speed. The approach has yet to inspire much faith in the team's future outlook, even if 2024 is a non-competitive year. Many of their pickups thus far are one-year deals for veterans.
The NeverEnding Story
Right field has long been an issue for the White Sox, and their internal options leave much to be desired. Eloy Jimenez has a long history of injuries and fits best in a DH role. Former top-100 prospect Oscar Colas won the job out of 2023 Spring Training but faltered at the plate and in the field, leading to a demotion.
Gavin Sheets, a first baseman, patrolled the right field extensively but was a poor defender. Zach Remillard and Romy Gonzalez can play the outfield but are primarily middle infielders.
What's On Tap Next?
Brett Phillips is a logical pickup as a fourth outfielder due to the White Sox' lack of options. Despite appearing in each of the last seven seasons, Phillips brings paltry production at the dish. Late-inning pinch-running and good outfield defense are his strong suits.
In 393 career MLB games, the 29-year-old is 39-for-45 in stolen bases, with 41 defensive runs saved and 32 outs above average. The White Sox need a viable fourth outfielder who provides value in any meaningful way, and Phillips might be the front-runner for that role.
However, Chicago still must find a starting right fielder for 2024.
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