The Chicago White Sox enter spring training with one of the most intriguing camps to watch, featuring their top prospects who have been invited in hopes of making an impact and earning a spot on the major league roster.
One key player with a lot to prove is first baseman Andrew Vaughn. Now entering his fifth season with the White Sox, Vaughn is just a year away from becoming a free agent. He has a lot at stake, as he needs to demonstrate his value and convince the team to offer him a contract extension.
This season is crucial for the 27-year-old Vaughn. Over his first four years, the former first-round pick has performed at about a league-average level. His career stats include a .253 batting average, .310 on-base percentage, .415 slugging percentage, and a .725 OPS with an OPS+ of 101.
Defensively, Vaughn has struggled at first base, recording -5 defensive runs saved and a -9 range score according to Baseball Savant. Last year, Vaughn’s performance was a mixed bag, with a career-low .297 on-base percentage and a .699 OPS. He also set a career-high in strikeouts, with 132 in 570 at-bats, although he did tie his career high with 30 doubles.
Vaughn needs to have a breakout year. With just one year left before free agency, this season is important not only for his financial future but also for the White Sox, who are in the midst of a rebuild and need to assess if he’s worth keeping long-term.
To push Vaughn to improve, the White Sox added competition in the form of sluggers Joey Gallo and Bobby Dalbec, who were signed to minor-league deals. The hope is that both will challenge Vaughn, with Gallo possibly serving as a platoon partner.
FanGraphs projects that Vaughn will have a season similar to 2023, appearing in 144 games with 29 doubles, 21 home runs, 76 RBIs, and a .256/.315/.428 slash line, leading to a .743 OPS. While those numbers would be solid for many teams, for Vaughn to secure a long-term spot with the White Sox, he will need to do more.