Chicago White Sox sign veteran catcher Yasmani Grandal
In the first major free-agent signing ahead of the 2020 MLB season, the Chicago White Sox have signed veteran catcher Yasmani Grandal.
Unlike the last offseason, this year’s hot stove is getting off to an early start. That’s because just a few moments ago ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported that the Chicago White Sox have signed Yasmani Grandal to a 4-year, $73M deal.
Soon thereafter, the White Sox made the deal official, adding that Grandal will receive $18.25M per year from 2020-2023. The contract sets a new franchise record for total money.
Though it’s not ideal to sign a veteran 31-year-old catcher, Grandal only has six full seasons under his belt (with the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, and Milwaukee Brewers). His last season, in 2019, was by far his best as an MLB player. In it, he recorded 28 home runs and posted a .848 OPS, both career highs.
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Offensively, since becoming a full-time catcher in 2014, Grandal has amassed a 27.4 fWAR. This places him second on FanGraphs behind Buster Posey, who has a 30 fWAR. His power, among the same groups of catchers who qualify since 2014 goes unmatched. In that time span, Grandal has 132 HR, more than any catcher since 2014.
What’s more, defensively, since 2014 very few catchers can match up to Grandal’s level. In fact, his defensive rating, again per FanGraphs, is 152.7, better than any MLB player at any position. His 45 DRS? Tops among catchers by a long shot.
For the White Sox, while it isn’t the sexy signing, this move positions them to become serious contenders in the AL Central which was decisively weak in 2019. It provides the team with a power hitter who is defensively sound and has a background of winning with the Dodgers and the Brewers.
Next. Yankees: Jacoby Ellsbury cut, Greg Bird DFA'd. dark
Yasmani Grandal exactly the right type of veteran player a team like the Chicago White Sox for people to start taking them seriously. It also may signal that the team isn’t finished. With only close to $65M committed to its players, the Sox have the money to go out and continue to add important pieces.
The question is, who’s next?