The White Sox were set to go with Adam LaRoche as the designated hitter heading into the 2016 season, but instead he will likely retire. Assuming he follows through on it -- he sounds pretty sure, reporters who spoke with him indicate -- the White Sox just cleared $13 million of payroll from the 2016 books.
Should they choose to use some of this money to pursue players outside the organization, where might they turn? Let's take a look, in order of the likelihood in my view.
Jay Bruce via trade
Bruce has been down the past two years, but he is still only going to be 29 years old this season and he finished 10th in NL MVP voting in both 2012 and 2013. He's set to make $12.5 million this season before hitting free agency (unless the White Sox wanted to pick up his club option for $13 million for 2017 -- otherwise there's a $1 million buyout), so the money works out fine.
The Reds would want someone in return, but it probably wouldn't take much if they could shed his salary.
Justin Morneau via free agency
He'll be 35 this season, only managed to play 49 games last year and has a history of concussion issues. Still, Morneau hit .316/.363/.487 with 42 doubles and 20 homers in the past two seasons combined (184 games). He got a home boost by Coors Field for sure, but it's surprising he's still without a job. He could surely be signed for less than $13 million while sliding right into LaRoche's spot as a lefty DH and likely providing better production.
Marlon Byrd via free agency
He's 38, but Byrd hit 25 homers in 2014 and 23 last season. He hit .271/.324/.496 against lefties, but Avisail Garcia hits lefties well, too, so maybe this isn't a great match.
One of the Dodgers via trade
Lefties Andre Ethier and Carl Crawford could be landed in the right deal -- so long as the White Sox take on some salary. Ethier is due $35.5 million over the next two seasons before a vesting option for 2018. Crawford is due a touch over $43 million through 2017. Ethier had a good season last year but was bad in 2014. Crawford was good in 2014 but not so much last year.
Alex Rios via free agency
They aren't doing this again, right?
David DeJesus via free agency
He swings lefty and can play all three outfield positions (giving the White Sox more flexibility with the DH and OF spots). He's 36 now and hit just .233/.297/.330 last season, though. From the start of June until the end of the season, he hit .158/.234/.200. Unless it's on a dirt-cheap deal, there's probably no reason to even bother.
One of the Rockies via trade
Once the Rockies dealt Corey Dickerson, the trade rumors regarding Carlos Gonzalez and Charlie Blackmon rightfully died. They aren't going to deal another outfielder before the season starts, absent someone bowling them over with an offer. They aren't likely to remain in contention heading into July, though, so this is something to file away for later. Maybe the White Sox wait and then -- assuming they are contending -- strike a deal for Cargo in late July? It's possible.
