The 2024 spring training period is in full swing, and the Chicago White Sox are hoping, against all odds, to build a contender. The White Sox are not projected to do any better than third in the American League Central this season. However, they may surprise many and play better, especially with a solid batting lineup. But what lineup will we see this year with Chicago? Who will we see coming up to bat for the Sox to start the season?
Here’s a look at the projected roster.
Predicting the White Sox Opening Day Roster
- Andrew Benintendi, LF
- Yoán Moncada, 3B
- Luis Robert Jr., CF
- Eloy Jiménez, DH
- Andrew Vaughn, 1B
- Paul DeJong, SS
- Gavin Sheets, RF
- Max Stassi, C
- Nicky Lopez, 2B
Top of the Order
Leading off for the White Sox is left-fielder Andrew Benintendi. Benintendi will resume that spot again this season. Last year, his batting line was .262/.326/.356. He didn’t light things up but gave them some effective play for the leadoff hitter. With a full year in the White Sox system, Benintendi should be more effective in hitting the ball. If he isn’t, he will quickly be replaced and could even find his way to the trading block or be designated for assignment despite his hefty contract.
The second spot in the White Sox lineup will go to third baseman Yoán Moncada. The often-injured Moncada must stay healthy and productive for the White Sox this season. Chicago needs to get more than the 92 games they got out of him in 2023. With a line of .260/.305/.425 Moncada and the Whtie Sox will hope that he builds on this and, with more than 120 games played, can live up to his formerly lofty expectations.
All-Star center fielder Luis Robert, Jr. will likely hit in the clean-up spot. Any fan of the White Sox knows what you get with Robert. Power, consistency, and reliability are his most prominent things. Sporting a line of .264/.315/.542 in 2023, Robert Jr should only get better in 2024. That is going to scare much of the competition. Robert Jr will have another All-Star season if he stays off the trainer’s table.
Chicago will fill spot number four in the lineup with a guy who must have a good season. Designated hitter Eloy Jiménez is a lock to earn the fourth spot in the White Sox batting lineup, and hopefully, he will flourish this season. Last year, in 120 games, he slashed .272/.317/.441. He hopes to stay healthy and play in more than 120 games this season. He can hit 25 home runs or more if he can get his power going. That would go a long way toward helping the White Sox succeed.
Middle of the Order
Chicago’s fifth spot in the batting lineup belongs to first baseman Andrew Vaughn. The youngster will continue making big strides this season. He is going to grow into a consistent hitter who displays some power. His home run and RBI totals will flare up this season, and he will be one of the White Sox’s better players. Last year, his batting line was .258/.314/.429. This healthy young man (Vaughn will be 26 on April 3rd and played in 152 games last season) has much to prove.
The sixth spot is where things get dicey. Some people have tabbed Dominic Fletcher as the starting right fielder for the White Sox this season However, things are going to go a little differently. Gavin Sheets will have a solid spring training finish and eventually crack the lineup. Last season, Sheets played 118 games and had a line of .203/.267/.331. He should have a turn-around season and become one of Chicago’s better hitters.
Bottom of the Lineup
The player who wins the starting shortstop position, Paul DeJong, will take spot number seven. DeJong should cement himself as the seventh batter in the lineup. He should be able to provide some solid hitting this season. His batting line for 2023 was .207/.258/.355. The journeyman shortstop may find a home in Chicago if he can keep young up-and-coming star Colson Montgomery at bay. The White Sox need all hands on deck, and the hope is that DeJong will at least give them a little more stability in the batting order.
There are two spots left in the White Sox batting order. At the eighth spot, catcher Max Stassi will be there as he takes the starting catcher position. Stassi has a chance at winning the starting catcher role over Martín Maldonado. He could end up having a fine season both behind the plate and in the batter’s box after a year off in 2023. Stassi should be back, fresh, and ready to prove some things.
Finally, the ninth spot will be taken by second baseman Nicky Lopez, yet another White Sox player in his first year with Chicago. Lopez played 93 games last year for two teams and had a line of .231/.326/.307. He has some promise, and the White Sox will hope they get a lot out of him.
Main Photo: © Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
