Engel back with White Sox on one-year contract
Adam Engel knows how it feels to sit in the dugout and wait for his turn to get on the field.
"I felt like every time I was in the game, I found a way to contribute one way or another," the White Sox's outfielder said after the 2020 season. "That's something I try to take a lot of pride in, kind of leave my mark on every game if I can."
After losing his job in center field to star rookie Luis Robert, the versatile Engel shifted to right field and backed up Nomar Mazara last season.
Destined for another reserve role after the Sox brought back right fielder Adam Eaton on a one-year contract, Engel is still a key roster piece.
On Wednesday, he signed a one-year, $1.375 million contract while avoiding salary arbitration.
The 29-year-old Engel hit .295/.333/.477 with 5 doubles, 1 triple, 3 home runs, 12 RBI and 11 runs scored over 36 games in 2020. He also homered in the opening round of the playoffs vs. Oakland.
A standout defender, Engel made 16 starts in right field, 4 in left and 3 in center.
Over the last two seasons, the right-handed Engel slashed .310/.355/.466 against left-handed pitching.