The White Sox announced the signing of free agent outfielder Adam Eaton Thursday morning, agreeing to terms on a one-year, $8 million contract which includes a club option for 2022.
Eaton will receive $7 million in 2021, while the Sox hold an $8.5 million option for 2022 with a $1 million buyout.
Eaton, 32, produced a .226/.285/.384 slash line with four home runs, 17 RBI and 22 runs scored in 41 games last season, his fourth with the Nationals. He missed the last two weeks with a broken finger.
“Knowing Adam well from his previous three seasons with us — including his work ethic and aggressive style, his offensive and defensive profiles, plus his recent championship experience — we believe he is a good fit on this White Sox roster,” Sox general manager Rick Hahn said in a statement announcing the signing. “The baseball world often comes full circle, and we are excited to welcome Adam back to play alongside some teammates we acquired thanks in large part to his previous contributions to our club.”
Barring another addition, Eaton figures to start in right field, perhaps platooning with right-handed hitting Adam Engel. The Sox also have switch-hitting infielder/outfielder Leury Garcia, who adds depth to an outfield that includes center fielder Luis Robert and left fielder Eloy Jimenez.
Eaton was traded in 2016 for right-handers Lucas Giolito, Reynaldo López and Dane Dunning when the Sox were embarking on a rebuild that has put them in position to contend for championships now. In 433 games with the Sox from 2014-16, the left-handed hitting Eaton batted .290/.362/.422 with 83 doubles, 28 triples and 29 home runs.
Eaton is a career .282/.360/.775 hitter. A finalist for the Gold Glove Award in 2016 as a right fielder and 2014 as a center fielder, Eaton’s defensive metrics have slipped in recent years.
Eaton’s offensive numbers also slipped in the smaller sample size of the 2020 season after he batted .279/.365/.428 with 15 home runs, seven triples and 15 stolen bases over 151 games in 2019. In the World Series, he batted .320 with two home runs and six RBI — including three in Games 6 and 7 — helping the Nats defeat the Astros in seven games.
The Sox acquired another player with a World Series ring, right-hander Lance Lynn, in a trade with the Rangers for Dane Dunning and prospect Avery Weems on Tuesday.
