The Chicago White Sox, fresh off an active offseason, are still facing uncertainties in their roster as January unfolds. Significant enhancements have been made to both the batting lineup and pitching rotation. However, the team is not yet complete and might seek further reinforcements.
Key Outfield Concerns
One of the primary areas of focus is the right field position. The White Sox have invested in promising talents like Everson Pereira and Jarred Kelenic. Both players could see substantial time in right field. Nevertheless, acquiring a seasoned outfielder for added depth could be a strategic move for the team.
Max Kepler: A Potential Addition
Former Minnesota Twins outfielder Max Kepler has emerged as a viable option. He will be 33 years old during the upcoming 2025 season. Kepler spent the first decade of his major league career with the Twins, where he faced the White Sox 120 times. During his tenure at Rate Field, he slammed 11 home runs in just 65 games, although his overall OPS against the White Sox stands at a modest .727.
Throughout his career, Kepler has maintained an OPS over .700 in seven of his ten full seasons, though the last two years have been challenging. After parting ways with Minnesota, he signed a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Phillies. In 2025, he achieved a batting average of .216 with a slugging percentage of .391 across 127 games, but managed to increase his home run total from 8 to 18.
Analyzing Kepler’s Recent Performance
Despite his less-than-stellar slash line, a closer examination of Kepler’s 2025 season reveals some positive indicators. His squared-up percentage, barrel percentage, and average exit velocity were all above league average. Additionally, he posted a 10% walk rate, landing in the 72nd percentile of all players.
- xBA: .246 (higher than actual .216)
- Career OPS against right-handed pitchers: .770
- Performance against lefties: Less impressive
At this juncture, Kepler could serve as a solid left-handed hitting option, complementing right-handed hitter Everson Pereira. Defensively, his performance has been average, ranking around the league mean in Outfield Adjusted (OAA). However, his arm strength and speed may pose limitations compared to other outfielders.
Future Outlook for the White Sox
With Mike Tauchman struggling defensively in right field during 2025, Kepler could represent a significant upgrade. He still has potential for further output, suggesting that his 2025 season might have been an outlier.
As the White Sox assess their roster, they have several weeks until pitchers and catchers report for Spring Training. This timeframe allows for possible adjustments, particularly in the right field position. If the team opts for an affordable enhancement, Kepler could be a compelling candidate, given his history as a division rival and his on-field capabilities.
