According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, the Chicago White Sox and outfielder Brett Phillips have reached an agreement on a minor-league contract. In the event that Phillips makes the team out of Spring Training, the deal becomes a major-league agreement. If Phillips leaves the White Sox, his contract is worth $1.2 million.
The White Sox offseason motif is carried through with this addition. To strengthen the Sox’s defense and increase team speed, general manager Chris Getz has concentrated on athletic players who put their gloves on first. Even though 2024 is a non-competitive year, the strategy hasn’t exactly given fans much hope for the team’s future. So far, a large number of their pickups are veterans on one-year contracts.
The White Sox have always struggled with right field, and their internal options are far from ideal. Due to his extensive injury history, Eloy Jimenez is most suited for a DH position. Oscar Colas, a former top-100 prospect, was demoted after failing to live up to expectations in the field and at the plate during 2023 Spring Training.
Though he was not a good defender, first baseman Gavin Sheets patrolled the right field frequently. Romy Gonzalez and Zach Remillard are primarily middle infielders, however they can play outfield as well.
With no other options, Brett Phillips makes sense for the White Sox as a fourth outfielder. Phillips offers a meager production to the dish, even though he has been in all seven of the previous seasons. His strong points include superb outfield defense and pinch-running in late innings.
The 29-year-old has played in 393 MLB games and is 39-for-45 in stolen base situations. He has also saved 41 defensive runs and has 32 outs above average. Phillips may be the front-runner for the position of fourth outfielder, which the White Sox desperately need someone who can contribute in any meaningful way.
For 2024, Chicago will still need to get a starting right fielder.