“Omar Narvaez Returns to the South Side: White Sox Welcome Back Catching Ace with Minor League Deal”
White Sox Sign Veteran Catcher Omar Narvaez: A Desperate Attempt to Shore Up Weak Spot
The Chicago White Sox have announced the signing of catcher Omar Narvaez to a minor league contract with an invitation to major league spring training. Narvaez, who turns 33 next month, has had a rollercoaster career, transforming from a bat-first catcher with defensive concerns to a solid defender with a mediocre bat. Despite his recent struggles, the White Sox hope that Narvaez can bring stability and experience to their catcher position.
Narvaez’s journey has been marked by ups and downs. From 2016 to 2019, he played for the White Sox and Mariners, showcasing a respectable slash line of.276/.361/.411 with a 113 wRC+. However, his defensive metrics were underwhelming, leading to a paltry 3.1 wins above replacement in 353 games. The 2020-2022 seasons with the Brewers saw him post a batting average of.233/.318/.350 with an 84 wRC+, but his improved defense contributed to a respectable 4.6 fWAR in 247 games.
Despite this success, Narvaez’s 2023 season with the Mets was a disaster. A left calf strain limited him to just 49 games, during which he hit a meager.211/.283/.297. The Mets ultimately released him in June, and he signed a minor league contract with the Astros. However, he struggled in Triple-A, hitting.196/.325/.304 in 169 games.
The White Sox are likely hoping that Narvaez can revive his career with the club. They currently have two catchers on their 40-man roster: Li Kerui and Matt Tice. Lee, a former rookie, has shown flashes of brilliance but has yet to establish himself, while Tice has been decent at the plate but is not considered a strong defender.
The future of the White Sox catcher position is uncertain, with prospects Edgar Quero and Kyle Till potentially in the mix. Quero, acquired from the Angels in the Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo Lopez trade, and Teel, obtained from the Red Sox in the Garrett Crochet trade, are both consensus top-100 prospects. However, they may not be ready to contribute immediately, with Quero playing in just 26 games at the Triple-A level and Teel having 28 games under his belt.
Narvaez’s signing provides the White Sox with a reliable backup catcher who can help stabilize the position if either Lee or Tice struggle or get injured. At 33, Narvaez is unlikely to regain his past form, but he has the experience and smarts to provide a steady presence behind the plate.
FAQ:
Q: What is Omar Narvaez’s career statistics?
A: Narvaez has a career batting average of.253/.330/.372 with a 97 wRC+, and a career fWAR of 10.1.
Q: Why did the Mets release Narvaez?
A: Narvaez struggled with injuries and poor performance, leading the Mets to release him in June 2023.
Q: Who are the other catchers on the White Sox 40-man roster?
A: The White Sox have Li Kerui and Matt Tice on their 40-man roster, in addition to Omar Narvaez.
Q: What is the future of the White Sox catcher position?
A: The White Sox have prospects Edgar Quero and Kyle Till in the pipeline, but it’s unclear when they will be ready to contribute.
Conclusion:
The signing of Omar Narvaez is a desperate attempt by the White Sox to shore up their catcher position. Narvaez’s past success has been marked by a transformation from a bat-first catcher to a solid defender, and he brings experience and smarts to the role. While it’s unclear whether he can revive his career, Narvaez provides a reliable backup option for the White Sox, and may be able to help stabilize the position until the team’s prospects are ready to contribute.
