GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The word versatility should be stressed and underlined regarding the 2022 White Sox after the free-agent deal with Josh Harrison was officially announced on Tuesday.
Harrison, 34, agreed to terms on a one-year, $5.5 million contract, which included a $5.5 million team option for 2023. Harrison will receive $4 million in ’22, with a $1.5 million buyout in ’23 if the option is not picked up.
This deal seems to put Harrison as the White Sox starting second baseman, but over 11 seasons and 1,049 career games, Harrison has played every position but catcher. Harrison also understands one game could call for him to start at second, but he could be playing at third or in right field before the final out.
“We can sit here and say we expect certain things, but baseball will throw a monkey wrench,” said Harrison, who spoke to the media following Tuesday’s workout at Camelback Ranch. “I’m always ready to play second, but I have my other gloves. ... I might be called upon for something else. It’s about winning games.”
“He absolutely could very well be the Opening Day second baseman,” said White Sox general manager Rick Hahn, who met with the media for a second straight day. “He could be there on a regular basis. Let’s just see how things unfold over the coming weeks.”
Leury García agreed to a three-year, $16.5 million deal before the lockout, meaning he could have a 12-year tenure with the White Sox if he plays through the length of his current contract. He has the same around-the-diamond defensive profile as Harrison, although he presents more of an option at shortstop and center field than the new addition.
Romy Gonzalez and Danny Mendick are in this same multi-position picture, and manager Tony La Russa mentioned Yermín Mercedes was getting a look in left field to give him another option. Jake Burger, the team’s top pick in the 2017 MLB Draft, also is a candidate for playing time at second base, as spoken of by Hahn on Tuesday.
Burger, who is listed at 6-foot-2, 230 pounds, worked pregame at second during his ’21 stint in the Majors and he played five games there at Triple-A Charlotte. He put in time at the position during the offseason, as shown through his Instagram videos.
“It’s only been a few days of being around him, but he’s going to get the opportunity to show his versatility as well,” Hahn said. “The kid worked hard, and we want to give him the opportunity to show what he can do a little bit.”
Having these options also could give a hot hand at the plate a chance to find playing time when a starter needs a break in following La Russa’s whole roster philosophy. Andrew Vaughn entered last Spring Training as the team’s designated hitter, became the left fielder when Eloy Jiménez was hurt, played games at first, third and second, and could be the starting right fielder in ’22.
Of course, a strong everyday lineup clearly helps the cause, with Harrison looking to make a difference at second. He slashed .279/.341/.400 with 33 doubles, eight home runs, a career-high 60 RBIs and 58 runs scored in 138 games with Washington and Oakland in 2021. He has a career line of .274/.318/.401 with 196 doubles, 30 triples, 64 homers and 442 runs scored, being named a National League All-Star with the Pirates in 2014 and '17.
Harrison's clubhouse presence also is a positive, meshing immediately with a team pushing toward a World Series title.
“Look, we plan to be with each other for eight months now,” Hahn said. “And making sure everyone is pulling the same direction and has the same priorities, the team goals taking priority over the individual goals is essential. Josh fits that mold perfectly.”
“One thing I’m going to be is me,” Harrison said. “That’s just somebody that’s going to be on the team having fun, keeping things light, and I want to win games. At the end of the day, everything on the field is going to take care of itself. Those small things of making sure I’ve got the guy next to me's back, that’s what makes good teams win.”