The Chicago White Sox were one of the most fun teams to watch in the 2020 MLB season. The main reason for that was their offensive juggernaut that consisted of a multitude of great hitters. With a lot of expectations heading into the 2021 season, the White Sox are ready to have another great offensive season. Without further ado, here is the projected starters at each position for the lineup of the 2021 Chicago White Sox.
C: Yasmani Grandal
With no surprise, Yasmani Grandal is expected to be the starting catcher for the White Sox this season. After giving Grandal the biggest contract in franchise history, the White Sox expect him to produce as one of if not the best catcher in baseball. Grandal does have an injury right now however, he does not expect to miss much time at the beginning of the season.
1B: Jose Abreu
The reigning AL MVP will be returning to the White Sox for his eighth season with the club. Abreu is looking to feed off of the momentum from last season after his career year. He had a .987 OPS with a 166 OPS+. Last year was a year that many people did not see coming, even White Sox fans. After picking Cal phenom first baseman Andrew Vaughn third overall in 2019, many people wanted him to replace Abreu as soon as possible. After last season, all White Sox fans gladly kept their mouths shut. Jose Abreu is here to stay and the White Sox could not be happier.
2B: Nick Madrigal
Nick Madrigal made his major league debut about half way through last season and had himself a very solid year. He did exactly what the White Sox expected of him when they drafted him fourth overall in 2018. He had a .340 BA with a whopping 6.4% K rate. Many people knock on Madrigal for not walking or hitting for power much at all, but the White Sox drafted him to have a guy that can get lots of base hits and not strike out. Madrigal is exactly that, and a dream ninth hitter that most teams do not have.
3B: Yoan Moncada
Yoan Moncada had a down year in 2020. There is no denying that. But he will certainly be back in 2021. One of the main reasons Moncada had a down year was he was experiencing COVID effects throughout the season. “The symptoms, the tiredness, the weakness I was feeling throughout the season, lasted for a few more weeks after the season ended,” Moncada said. “Thank God, I feel very good right now. I feel like I normally feel. I’m doing all my stuff right now. I feel I’m in very good condition. I’m feeling strong.” Moncada is a very patient hitter that likes to wait for his pitch and work the count. Look for Moncada to have a very high on base percentage in 2021 along with a high walk rate.
SS: Tim Anderson
Tim Anderson has become the flashy electric player that many people believe defines the White Sox. He has expressed confidence in his team countless times this offseason. But he is not just a loud mouth that cannot play. He won the AL Batting title in 2019, and had an even better season in 2020, posting a 141 OPS+. Anderson is a very aggressive hitter who loves to swing early and often.
LF: Eloy Jimenez
Eloy Jimenez is one of the best young players in baseball. In only his second season, Jimenez slashed a .296/.332/.559 with a 140 OPS+. Jimenez is only going to get better too, as he is only 24 years old. He is known for his power. He ranked fifth in 2020 in exit velocity when hit into opposite field and when pulled. Expect Jimenez to continue to develop his hitting in 2021 and to be one of the best hitters in baseball.
CF: Luis Robert
The MLB ranked Luis Robert the fifth best player under 25 for good reason. Robert has it all. Moreover, he is one of the rare “five tool players”. He is an incredibly athletic player who could do it all. He has speed, power, contact, arm strength and fielding ability. Being one of the top players in outs above average in center, he is also a guy that can hit for contact and power. He is one of the most exciting players to watch in all of baseball.
RF: Adam Eaton/Adam Engel
The right field position will be up for debate in 2021. It will most likely depend on what pitcher the White Sox see that day. Last year, the White Sox normally started Nomar Mazara against righties and Adam Engel against lefties. That will most likely be the situation this year with Eaton.
DH: Andrew Vaughn
Andrew Vaughn is expected to make his MLB debut with the White Sox as the starting DH in 2021. Vaughn was looked at by many as the best hitter in college baseball in the 2019 season before the White Sox drafted him third overall. Vaughn has had a very impressive spring training and seems to have earned himself the starting spot. Another great bat is joining a barrage of terrific bats.