White Sox Sign 8-Year Veteran Who Thrives Against Lefties

November 18, 2024 , , ,

The Chicago White Sox have signed eight-year MLB veteran outfielder Austin Slater to a major league contract.

Slater, 31, brings eight seasons of experience and a proven track record as a platoon bat, particularly excelling against left-handed pitching. 

Over his career, he has slashed .271/.364/.429 with a 114 wRC+ versus southpaws, a much-needed skill for a White Sox lineup that struggled mightily against lefties in 2024, posting an MLB-worst 74 wRC+. 

While Slater endured a down year in 2024, slashing just .209/.321/.266 across stints with the San Francisco Giants, Cincinnati Reds, and Baltimore Orioles, he showed signs of a resurgence late in the season with Baltimore. 

Over 33 games, he hit .246/.342/.333 with a 102 wRC+, offering a glimpse of his potential to return to the form that made him a reliable contributor from 2020 to 2023. 

During that span, Slater compiled a .257/.345/.412 slash line with a 113 wRC+, averaging 14 home runs and 20 stolen bases per 162 games. 

"Even in a challenging season, Austin’s ability to thrive against lefties and play steady defense makes him a great fit for a team like ours," said a White Sox representative.

His veteran presence complements a predominantly left-handed outfield that includes Andrew Benintendi and younger players like Dominic Fletcher and Gavin Sheets. 

Photo Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images



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