MLB rumors: 5 teams that should sign Yasiel Puig
4. Chicago White Sox
The White Sox were one of the more aggressive teams this offseason, adding reinforcements to the lineup and starting rotation as they look to end their rebuild and become a playoff contender. That included a trade with the Texas Rangers for Nomar Mazara, who is slated to take over in right field.
But the White Sox have lingered in rumors attached to Puig going back to just after Christmas. Their level of interest has seemed to go back and forth a bit, but most recently a report tabbed them as a front runner to sign Puig when no other teams have been mentioned.
#Rockies and #WhiteSox emerge like the frontrunners.
— Héctor Gómez (@hgomez27) February 19, 2020
The #WhiteSox, making dramatic improvements after spending $195.5 million in free agency this winter, will now focus on improving the bullpen. They're not actively involved in the free-agent derby for OFs Yasiel Puig or Nick Castellanos, saying they're committed to Nomar Mazara
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 27, 2019
The South Siders can’t offer Puig a clear path to playing time right now, with Mazara and Eloy Jimenez tabbed for the corner outfield spots and Edwin Encarnacion slated to DH. But Mazara can’t necessarily be counted on, and Encarnacion carries some durability questions.
It’s a huge “if,” but if Puig is willing to accept a cheap deal to essentially function as an extra outfielder/DH/bench bat, the presence of the White Sox in rumors attached to him as recently as mid-to-late February can’t be dismissed.