White Sox' Austin Slater aiming to help rebuilding team on, off field
Two weeks after becoming a first-time father, veteran big-league outfielder Austin Slater has found a new home with the White Sox. For a guy who was traded twice in July — from the Giants, after 10 years in that organization, to the Reds, and soon after to the Orioles — it was “very comforting” to nip the whole free-agency thing in the bud so early in the offseason.
Phew, at least that’s settled.
The seemingly bright, thoughtful 31-year-old expressed relief Thursday to be past “the what-ifs and all the personal-life drama that can arise from the uncertainty that is the baseball ecosystem.”
Hundred-dollar words aside, how does Slater, who signed for one year at $1.75 million, fit in? It’s too soon to be sure, of course, but his versatility — having played right field, center field and left field in similar measures — makes him a strong candidate to be the team’s fourth outfielder. Though he’s coming off a down season at the plate, his .271/.364/.429 career slash line in 929 plate appearances against lefties has helped keep him in the majors for all or parts of the last eight seasons.
With lefty hitters Andrew Benintendi, Dominic Fletcher, Zach DeLoach and Oscar Colas in the outfield mix, a right-handed bat was needed. If Slater performs well, it’ll be a feather in the cap for new director of hitting Ryan Fuller, who was a co-hitting coach with the Orioles and vouched for Slater.
Slater talked with new Sox manager Will Venable a couple of times before signing and “got really good vibes” from him. Venable wants Slater to assume a leadership role in the clubhouse.
“I’m excited and thrilled about the opportunity,” Slater said.
By the way, the previously referenced newborn’s first and middle names: Beau Jackson. It seemed worth mentioning, Sox fans.