There’s an aura of optimism surrounding the Chicago White Sox as they open up their facilities, and begin their preparations for the start of the season.
The main goal for the White Sox this season will be to be better than they were last season and to play as many of their young prospects as possible to see who can compete for a roster spot.
New manager Will Venable, will have his hands full this season trying to give equal playing time to both his veterans and the young guys and getting the most out of each of them.
The DH spot will be a fluid situation
Not only will Venable have to juggle the time of his vets and prospects, but he’ll be responsible for constructing the lineup day in and day out. According to Venable per Scott Merkin, the new skipper will look to the designated hitter spot as a tool to play the matchup game and get guys off their feet.
“Venable on his view of the White Sox DH: “We are not going to have someone designated for that role. We are going to use it to get guys off their feet, to be able to match up defensively and to kind of leave that open as a way to do all those things.”
Venable on his view of the White Sox DH: "We are not going to have someone designated for that role. We are going to use it to get guys off their feet, to be able to match up defensively and to kind of leave that open as a way to do all those things."
— Scott Merkin (@scottmerkin) February 13, 2025
This is a brilliant idea for the first-time manager to implement with having a few veterans on his roster.
The Chicago White Sox options for the job
A possible platoon situation could emerge with Venable stating he wants to play the matchups game. The most likely candidates to get a look from the right side would be Austin Slater or possibly Brandon Drury (if he makes the roster). For left-handed options, the White Sox have: Mike Tauchman, Nick Maton, Omar Narváez, Kyle Teel, or Tristan Gray. Andrew Benintendi is the current starting left fielder, but Benintendi could be one of the guys Venable utilizes the DH spot for rest.
According to FanGraphs, they have infielder Miguel Vargas slotted there, but he’ll most likely be competing for the third base spot or be a bat off the bench. Teel is coming into camp competing for the starting catcher’s spot. Teel could get some reps at DH to get him off his feet.
Tauchman could be the answer as a platoon option for Slater/Drury as he, like those two, will be competing for the job out in right. Maton, Gray, and Narváez, will first have to make the 26-man roster if they want a chance at the job.
An interesting conundrum for Venable
The White Sox’s new skipper has his hands full this spring as he’s looking to make a great first impression.
There’s a ton of talent flowing through camp, and the White Sox position players haven’t even arrived yet.
Even though this season may be a grind, and there will be a ton of highs and lows, there’s full confidence in Venable that he is indeed the right man for the job.
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