White Sox Sign Utility Infielder With Elite Defensive Numbers

The Chicago White Sox have signed utility infielder Josh Rojas to a one-year contract, according to MLB.com’s Scott Merkin.

After being non-tendered by the Seattle Mariners in November, Rojas, 30, is aiming to bounce back from a challenging 2024 season.

Renowned for his defensive versatility, Rojas has logged significant time across multiple positions, including 237 starts at third base, 122 at second base, 78 in the outfield, and 44 at shortstop.

His elite defense was a bright spot last season, ranking in the 94th percentile in Outs Above Average, making him a valuable addition to the White Sox's roster.

Josh Rojas to White Sox @scottmerkin 1st
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 2, 2025

Offensively, Rojas endured a rough 2024 campaign, slashing .225/.304/.336 with eight home runs, 31 RBIs, and 10 stolen bases across 142 games.

A strong start to the season, where he posted a 175 wRC+ through April, was followed by a big dip in production, including a .184/.265/.272 line over the final two months.

Despite the struggles, Rojas’s career .247 batting average and 34 home runs offer optimism. Moving to the hitter-friendly Guaranteed Rate Field could provide a much-needed boost to his offensive numbers, a transition similar to Teoscar Hernández’s resurgence after leaving Seattle.

Josh Rojas is probably the first move this offseason I’m genuinely upset the Cubs didn’t do

Felt like the perfect fit for what their roster will LIKELY look like on opening day.

Pivot to Moncada? Bregman rumors true? We will see…
— 🅱️🚂 (@blakecowellx) January 2, 2025