Let’s start with the numbers, because they speak loudly. Sosa paced the White Sox in hits (137), batting average (.264), home runs (22), RBIs (75), slugging percentage (.435), and OPS (.727).
And this wasn’t just a case of a guy getting hot over a few weeks – the underlying metrics backed it up. Sosa finished in the top third of MLB hitters in both expected batting average and expected slugging, two key indicators that suggest his production was no fluke.
In fact, he was building momentum even before 2025 rolled around. In the final month of the 2024 season, he posted a .278 expected batting average and slugged .566 with four home runs, hinting at what was to come.
Sosa’s 39.2% sweet-spot rate – balls hit within the ideal 8-32 degree launch angle – ranked in the 90th percentile league-wide. That’s elite territory, and it’s a big reason why the ball kept jumping off his bat.
When you consistently square it up like that, good things happen.
But for all Sosa’s progress at the plate, his future on the South Side is anything but certain. And that has everything to do with where – or rather, if – he fits in defensively.
The defensive dilemma
Sosa’s bat says “everyday player,” but his glove? That’s where the questions start piling up.
The White Sox are in no rush to make him a full-time designated hitter – especially not with Andrew Benintendi’s defense trending in the wrong direction. They need flexibility, and right now, Sosa’s defensive profile doesn’t offer much of it.
He’s played all over the infield, but the results have been mixed at best. Third base was the only position last year where he didn’t post a negative Outs Above Average.
At first base, he struggled both statistically – with a negative Run Value – and visually, committing two errors in limited action. That leaves the hot corner as his most viable home, but even that spot may not be his for long.
The White Sox have a crowded infield picture. Chase Meidroth and Colson Montgomery are the frontrunners for the middle infield, and with Miguel Vargas also in the mix at the corners, Sosa could find himself fighting for playing time – or playing elsewhere altogether.
Here’s where things get interesting. With the White Sox winning the draft lottery, there’s a strong chance they’ll target UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky – one of the most polished college shortstops in recent memory.
If Cholowsky ends up in Chicago and progresses quickly, that could push Montgomery over to third base by 2027. Even if the Sox go in a different direction in the draft, they’ve still got 2025 first-rounder Billy Carlson in the pipeline, along with Sam Antonocci, who’s coming off a standout season in the minors.
That’s a lot of infield talent on the way, and it makes Sosa a logical trade candidate this offseason. His value is high, his contract is affordable – he’s set to make under $1 million next year – and his offensive profile could be a perfect fit for a team looking for right-handed pop.
One potential landing spot? The Boston Red Sox.
They’ve been aggressive this offseason and are reportedly in the market for more lineup power. Sosa’s right-handed bat would pair nicely in a platoon with Masataka Yoshida at DH, giving Boston some extra thump without breaking the bank.
That kind of move would also free up more money for the Red Sox to chase bigger fish elsewhere in free agency.
And let’s not forget – the Red Sox and White Sox have already shown a willingness to deal. Boston sent Garret Crochet to Chicago in a four-player swap and later moved Chris Murphy for minor leaguer Ronny Hernandez. The White Sox also snagged right-hander Jedixson Paez from Boston in the Rule 5 Draft, signaling a clear interest in their farm system.
So while Sosa’s bat deserves a home in a major league lineup, it’s becoming increasingly likely that home might not be in Chicago. Whether it’s Boston or another team in need of a cost-effective, power-hitting infielder, Sosa has positioned himself as one of the more intriguing trade chips on the market this winter.
