Chicago White Sox: What’s on their 2022 post-lockout to-do list
By Eric Treuden
The Chicago White Sox should sign Jonathan Villar to play second base
Per ESPN’s depth chart tracker, the Chicago White Sox have lumbering first baseman/outfielder Andrew Vaughn atop their depth chart at second base followed by their starting third baseman Yoan Moncada. There is virtually no chance that either of those players sees time at second base for the club in 2022.
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Second base is the White Sox’s biggest offensive hole in their lineup and they could use someone to plug into the everyday starting nine. Switch-hitting Jonathan Villar is a speedy, versatile player with some pop in his bat that would fit nicely on the Sox.
Villar, 30, has spent significant time at second, third, short, and center field in his career. He was the Brewers’ starting shortstop for all of 2016, the Orioles’ starting second baseman in 2019, and the Mets’ starting third baseman for the majority of games played in 2021.
Not known to blow people away with his defensive prowess, Villar has a career dWAR of 2.0 to go with his 15.1 oWAR in his nine-season career so far. His career high dWAR in a single season is 0.6, a feat he has accomplished in both 2014 and 2018, both seasons saw him play in under 90 games.
Second base does not require the same range and throwing arm as third base or shortstop, so it is a reasonable assumption to make that the White Sox could hide Villar’s lack of defensive competency at second base for a season.
Speed, power, and durability are, however, three of Villar’s strong suits. Throughout his career, Villar has topped 35 stolen bases three times, including a 62-steal season in 2016 for the Brewers. Last season was the fifth time that Villar has put up double-digit home run totals and the fifth time he has appeared in over 122 games in a season. In 2019 for the Orioles, Villar appeared in all 162 contests, a feat that is not so common in today’s age.
Jonathan Villar would prove to be an instant upgrade for the White Sox who currently have Andrew Vaughn atop their depth chart.