White Sox remodel in big way this offseason
Frazier, Lawrie headline GM Hahn's roster moves
CHICAGO -- The White Sox revamping process moved into Year 3 this offseason via the significant additions made by general manager Rick Hahn.
The second part of a seven-part Spring Training preview takes a look at these important new White Sox players:
• Spring Training preview Part I: 7 White Sox who could use a rebound season
3B Todd Frazier: An argument could be made that Frazier is one of the biggest offseason additions by any team, with the South Siders in search of a consistent third-base presence since Joe Crede. Frazier, acquired from the Reds in a three-team trade that sent Trayce Thompson, Frankie Montas and Micah Johnson to the Dodgers, provides another power bat, solid defense at the hot corner and a great clubhouse figure.
INF Brett Lawrie: Lawrie originally was acquired in a trade with Oakland to become the third baseman, but has the versatility to transition over to second. Lawrie stands as part of the team's overall upgrade on offense, but players, broadcasters and front office members alike spoke at SoxFest about that intense competitive edge Lawrie possesses.
• Spring Training Information
RHP Mat Latos: Via a one-year, $3 million deal, the White Sox strengthened the back end of their rotation with Latos. It's a low-risk, high-reward deal, with the team hoping Latos reverts to the form he showed with the Padres and Reds from 2010-13 when he posted a 51-35 record with a 3.27 ERA and 746 strikeouts over 799 innings.
C Alex Avila: Avila will be staying in the American League Central to work with Chris Sale and Carlos Rodon after catching a Most Valuable Player in Justin Verlander and Cy Young Award winners in Verlander and Max Scherzer for Detroit. An injury-plagued '15 season contributed to his .191 average, but he still posted a .339 on-base percentage and has a career .291 average at U.S. Cellular Field. The left-handed-hitting Avila also features a .781 OPS against right-handers.
C Dioner Navarro: The switch-hitter completes the one-two free-agent punch used by the White Sox to upgrade their catching position offensively. Navarro has a career .775 OPS against left-handed pitching, compared to .658 vs. righties.
RHP Jacob Turner: Turner adds starting depth, with an outside shot to break camp as a long reliever. He also stands behind Latos and Erik Johnson in the rotation competition and is out of options.
OF Jerry Sands: Claimed off waivers just before Christmas, the right-handed hitter appears to have the early edge as the team's 25th man and fifth outfielder unless the club goes with an infield/outfield speed option such as Leury Garcia. But Hahn has talked numerous times about not being done with 2016 roster construction.
RHP Tommy Kahnle: The White Sox liked Kahnle's power arm enough to acquire him in a trade with the Rockies, but they want to see more strikes thrown. Kahnle figures to have a battle breaking camp, as the bullpen looks pretty locked down.
C Hector Sanchez: The veteran backstop and non-roster invite stands with Rob Brantly as catching depth behind Navarro and Avila.
RHP Matt Albers: Ok, Albers isn't really a new guy after serving as the team's most consistent reliever in '15. But as a free agent, it was uncertain if Albers would be back. Look for him in the setup mix.