MLB analyst questions the stability of the White Sox outfield

The Chicago White Sox are set to see a few new faces in the outfield this season. Parting ways with Luis Robert Jr., the club received Luisangel Acuña in return. 

He is expected to battle for the CF spot, but he is not the only new face. The White Sox also welcomed Austin Hays to the club earlier in the offseason. The two sides agreed on a one-year contract. 

While he is no Gold Glover like Luis Robert Jr., he was an All-Star in 2023 and is projected to handle right field. 

MORE: The long road back to respectability has begun on the South Side

MLB analyst questions the stability of the white Sox outfield

One of the only expected returning outfielders will be Andrew Benintendi, and he is expected to play left field.  This makes an outfield trio of Luisangel Acuña, Austin Hays, and Andrew Benintendi. 

If you are questioning if that outfield trio is sustainable, you are not the only one. MLB.com's Scott Merkin also shares that sentiment. 

"The outfield defense might be a work in progress. Luis Robert Jr. anchored the outfield for the past six seasons with his Gold Glove defense in center, but was traded to the New York Mets during the offseason. Luisangel Acuña, who was acquired from New York, could be Robert's replacement, although most of his career outfield experience has come during winter ball. The Robert trade had to happen at this point, but his absence weakens almost any outfield glove work."

If fans were expecting Acuña to be an easy replacement, they could be mistaken. The utility player's majority of outfield work has come from winter ball. 

However, he could surprise many with a full spring to prepare for the role. 

Even if he struggles in the outfield, if he can be a force on the offensive side of things as he did in Venezuela a few months ago, fans would be pretty happy.

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