The Chicago White Sox have filled their void at first base/designated hitter.
USA Today‘s Bob Nightengale reported that the team signed free agent Adam LaRoche to a two-year deal worth $25 million:
Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal confirmed the news:
With Paul Konerko retired, many expect 2014 American League Rookie of the Year Jose Abreu to take over full time as the White Sox’s first baseman. As CBSSports.com’s Tom Fornelli pointed out, LaRoche can help ease some of the pressure on Abreu and give him a day off every once in a while:
Hardball Talk’s Matthew Pouliot didn’t expect LaRoche to sign with a team for which he’s likely to primarily fill the DH role:
I’m surprised LaRoche was ready to settle into primarily a DH role. Maybe his back is a significant issue going forward.
— Matthew Pouliot (@matthewpouliot) November 22, 2014
The 35-year-old is a solid if unspectacular hitter. He has a career slash line of .264/.340/.472 with 243 home runs and 838 runs batted in. He had 26 homers and 92 RBI for the Washington Nationals last season.
At the very least, LaRoche can be a cheaper and more productive option at DH than Adam Dunn was for Chicago. LaRoche can also fill in at first when necessary and not be a black hole defensively.
This move alone won’t turn the White Sox into a winning team, but it’s a step in the right direction as they look to move up in the AL Central.
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