MLB 21st century face of the franchise — Chicago White Sox: Paul Konerko
This is a close call, involving former Sox greats Mark Buehrle, Jose Abreu and Paul Konerko as well as current star Tim Anderson. During this century, Buehrle is an easy leader in career WAR, and Abreu has a solid lead in OPS+/ERA+.
But Konerko has a big edge in games played. And despite Abreu’s marvelous 2020 season, which culminated in an MVP Award, Konerko remains well ahead of Abreu in home runs hit with the Sox (432 to 243), and RBIs (1,383 to 863).
Konerko leads 34.4 to 32.8 in offensive WAR, and he played in 1,500 more White Sox games than Abreu.
Finally, although it’s not measurable, Konerko ranks higher in fan recognition and adulation. During his playing career, Konerko earned a status not easily won on the South Side, an official Hawk Harrelson moniker. To Hawk and to legions of Sox fans, he was simply and familiarly “Paulie.”
In the wings: Anderson has the best chance to eventually supplant Konerko as the franchise face. Seven seasons into his shortstop career on the South Side, he’s a career .288 hitter with All-Star selections in both 2021 and 2022.