The White Sox added veteran depth in the minor leagues with a signing on Tuesday. The team announced that they would be signing first baseman Jared Walsh to a minor league pact. Walsh will be heading to the team’s spring training complex in Arizona for now. He will eventually be assigned to Triple-A Charlotte.
White Sox have signed 1B Jared Walsh to minor league deal. He will report to Arizona before being assigned to Charlotte, per the team.
— Scott Merkin (@scottmerkin) April 30, 2024
Jared Walsh by the Numbers
It wasn’t too long ago that Jared Walsh was an effective bat for the Los Angeles Angels. In 2021 he hit .277/.340/.509 with 29 home runs and 34 doubles. After bursting onto the scene in 2020 and then following up that campaign with his 2021 numbers, it was thought that the first baseman might be a mainstay in the Angels lineup.
That just wasn’t the case.
Due to some unforeseen health circumstances, Walsh hasn’t been the same hitter. Walsh has said that he has dealt with neurological issues and symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome that could have hampered his production as early as 2022.
Since 2022, Walsh has hit .200/.264/.352 across 630 plate appearances.
Where Walsh Fits on the White Sox Roster
While it’s encouraging that Jared Walsh found his way back to the big leagues with the Texas Rangers, the production just hasn’t been there for him to stick long-term. The Rangers ultimately designated him for assignment after Nathaniel Lowe was ready to go. The most alarming statistic for Walsh since 2022 is the strikeout numbers. During his 2021 season, he struck out 26% of the time. That number ballooned to 38.8% in 2023, and this season it is at 35% across his 60 plate appearances.
With the White Sox off to a terrible start to the season, Walsh provides the team depth in case of injury or if the team decides to make a move at first base. Andrew Vaughn is the everyday first baseman, and he hasn’t been providing much with the bat. He’s hitting .180/.252/.230 with a 42 wRC+ across 111 plate appearances.
If the team does decide to make a move, Jared Walsh would represent an option for them along with Gavin Sheets. It will require Walsh to hit his way into the conversation, and he’ll look to regain his swing and make it back to the big leagues after so many health problems.
