White Sox Make First Free Agency Move, Sign Austin Slater

Who?

The San Francisco Giants selected Austin Slater in the eighth round of the 2014 draft out of Stanford University.

The soon-to-be 32-year-old spent his entire career with the Giants organization until being traded twice in July 2024. San Francisco sent Slater and cash to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for Alex Young on July 7. He logged 21 plate appearances for the Reds until his trade to the Baltimore Orioles on July 30.

Slater had his best showing with the Orioles as he slashed .246/.342/.333 in only 79 plate appearances. The veteran's most productive season at the plate occurred in 2022 when he notched a .774 OPS over 325 plate appearances.

Injuries marred the start of Slater's 2024 season as he landed on the injured list in May with a concussion and was sidelined for a month. He logged just 177 at-bats and slashed a paltry .209/.321/.266 for the season.

What's On Tap Next?

Despite a poor 2024 campaign, Austin Slater has made his career as a platoon bat that hits lefties very well. He'll bring speed, average defense, and a career .793 OPS against lefties to the South Side.

While most of Slater's playing time has been spent in left field, he'll likely platoon in right field with Dominic Fletcher. If Fletcher, an elite defender, can improve against righties, the White Sox have a decent platoon situation in right field.