We’re another step closer to Opening Day as the White Sox held their first full-squad workout.
Here are the main storylines to start your work week.
Liam Hendriks signs two-year deal with Red Sox
The day began with some non-White Sox news, as former closer Liam Hendriks signed a two-year deal with the Red Sox that includes a mutual option in 2026. It guarantees $10 million with an additional $10 million available in incentives.
Hendriks says he hopes to pitch during the second half of 2024 after undergoing elbow surgery just last summer.
Leadoff hitter yet to be named, likely Andrew Benintendi
With Tim Anderson now gone, the leadoff spot is open for grabs.
Pedro Grifol said he hasn’t decided on a leadoff hitter yet but has four guys in mind. The only name he mentioned specifically was Andrew Benintendi, who led off 44 times last year and slashed .301/.366/.393 in those games.
Eloy Jimenez wants to play 150+ games this year
Eloy Jimenez is aiming high and hopes to play in 150+ games this year alongside Yoan Moncada and Luis Robert Jr. None of the three have ever achieved that feat, though Jimenez had his second-highest amount of games played with 120 in 2023. Robert Jr. was closer to the goal with 145 games last year, while you have to go back to 2018 for Moncada’s highest total at 149.
Bullpen Day for the First Cactus League Game
Pedro Grifol and his staff have decided that it will be a bullpen day for Friday’s Cactus League opener against the Cubs. The starter of that game has not been named, but Grifol provided a list of probable arms – Jesse Chavez, Nicholas Padilla, Joe Barlow, Fraser Ellard, and Alex Speas.
Luis Robert Jr. believes he can improve upon 2023
Robert Jr. and Maldonado share positive comments on teammates
Sights and Sounds
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