*Photo from MASN*
The Chicago White Sox were looking for a right fielder after non-tendering Nomar Mazara, so they turned to a familiar face. The White Sox have signed OF Adam Eaton to a one year, $7 million deal, according to MLB Network insider Joel Sherman. Eaton's deal also includes a $8.5 million team option for the 2022 season, with a $1 million buyout. The White Sox have confirmed the deal, as Eaton has passed his physical.
Eaton had a slightly underwhelming season in 2020, posting a .226 batting average with 4 homers and 17 RBI in 41 games played for the Washington Nationals this season. Across Eaton's 9 year career, he is a .282 hitter with 60 homers and 289 RBI in 831 games played across his 9 major league seasons. Eaton has spent his career with the White Sox, Nationals, and the Arizona Diamondbacks, who he made his MLB debut with in the 2012 season.
White Sox GM Rick Hahn said of bringing Eaton back that "Knowing Adam well from his previous three seasons with us, including his work ethic and aggressive style, his offensive and defensive profiles, plus his recent championship experience, we believe he is a good fit on this White Sox roster, the baseball world often comes full circle, and we are excited to welcome Adam back to play alongside some teammates we acquired thanks in large part to his previous contributions to our club."
Eaton is expected to become the everyday right fielder with the White Sox, despite Adam Engel having a solid season for the White Sox in 2020. With Eaton figuring to be the everyday option in right field, Engel will likely become the 4th outfielder in Chicago, and will draw starts across the outfield when one of either Eaton, Luis Robert, or Eloy Jimenez needs a day off.
Eaton himself said of returning to the White Sox that "It’s tough to describe. I think it’s kind of going full circle. A little different, you are traded for the main pieces that are now making the White Sox tick. To be able to come back after winning a World Series and hopefully bringing some success to Chicago, it’s going to be cool. It’s a unique position."
Eaton spent time with the White Sox for 3 years, roaming their outfield from 2014 to 2016, hitting 29 homers and 150 RBI in that time. During the 2016 Winter Meetings, Eaton was traded to the Nationals in a trade that saw Lucas Giolito, Dane Dunning, and Reynaldo Lopez head to the White Sox. Dunning was sent to the Rangers in a trade for Lance Lynn, Lopez is in the mix for a spot in the back end of the White Sox rotation, while Giolito has become the ace of the pitching staff.
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