Rick Hahn has been very busy before the new year, as he has added bullpen pieces Zach Duke and David Robertson, traded for Jeff Samardzija, and added key pieces Adam LaRoche and Melky Cabrera. Dayan Viciedo has since been in limbo. He no longer has a starting outfield spot, as the outfielder figures to be Cabrera, Adam Eaton, and Avisail Garcia from left to right, respectively.
There were rumblings of a deal with the Seattle Mariners, but they have since dealt for Justin Ruggiano and Seth Smith. Another possible suitor is the Baltimore Orioles, but they seem to be chasing after some of the lower tiered free agent outfielders such as Colby Rasmus after Nelson Cruz and Nick Markakis left the team to sign with the Mariners and Braves.
The question is, who will deal for Viciedo? Though his time as an outfielder hasn’t been entirely successful, he is still just 25 and could opt for a position change as he did come up through the system as a third basemen, so 1st base/Designated Hitter should not be out of the question for him. In 2014, Viciedo hit 21 homers and 22 doubles with 58 RBI’s. He does have issues with taking walks, but a position switch, especially one to designated hitter, where he can focus entirely on hitting, could be beneficial.
However, the best option for the White Sox might just be wait and see. Spring training brings on tons of injuries and inconsistencies that make teams who thought they were set in the outfield, in need of another piece. This will be the best option for the team, as they can get the best value for him. The price for a bench bat or a bullpen piece should stay the same, and teams may get more willing to take the deal. Waiting is the best option for General Manager Rick Hahn and the White Sox, so they can get the most out of Viciedo.
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