As the offseason rolls on, the Chicago White Sox continue to explore every avenue to reshape a roster in need of serious reinforcements. The pitching staff has seen some movement, with left-hander Anthony Kay joining the fold, but the lineup - especially the outfield - remains a work in progress.
Power is a glaring need, and with options limited, every available bat is getting a look. One name that just hit the wire might catch some eyes: Jhonkensy Noel.
But while the raw power is undeniable, this is one player the White Sox would be wise to pass on.
Noel’s Power Is Real - But So Are the Risks
Let’s start with what makes Noel intriguing. Originally signed by Cleveland out of the Dominican Republic back in 2017, Noel - nicknamed “Big Christmas” - has long been known for his prodigious power.
He made noise early in his minor league career, slashing an eye-popping .340/.390/.615 in 2021 with 19 home runs in just 70 games across three levels. That kind of production doesn’t go unnoticed.
By 2022, he was in the upper minors and swatted 32 home runs, though his batting average dipped to .229. In 2023, he stayed in Triple-A and added another 27 bombs to his tally.
His hot start in 2024 finally earned him a call-up, and in a 67-game sample, he flashed the same power that had scouts buzzing. The Guardians hoped he’d take the next step in 2025 - but instead, he stumbled hard.
In 69 games this past season, Noel hit just .162 with a .480 OPS. That’s not a slump - that’s a full-on breakdown at the plate.
Plate Discipline Problems That Can’t Be Ignored
Dig into the numbers, and the red flags start waving fast. Noel walked in just 2.6% of his plate appearances in 2025 and chased pitches nearly half the time.
That’s an unsustainable approach, even for a power hitter. Yes, he’s got one of the fastest swings in the game, but he only managed a 41.2% hard-hit rate - below league average.
That’s not a great combo: high whiff rate, low contact quality, and minimal plate discipline.
In simpler terms, he swings at everything, misses too often, and when he does connect, the results aren’t consistently loud. That’s a tough profile to bet on, especially for a team trying to stabilize a young, inconsistent offense.
Defensive Limitations Compound the Issue
Noel’s value doesn’t exactly spike when you look at the glove. He’s got a strong arm, but his range is below average and he doesn’t run well.
He’s more of a DH-in-waiting than a reliable outfield option, and the White Sox already have their hands full trying to balance defensive liabilities in the outfield. Andrew Benintendi’s glove hasn’t been a strength, and the team recently brought in Everson Pereira as a reclamation project - another outfielder with potential but plenty to prove.
Adding another unproven, defensively limited outfielder doesn’t help solve the equation. What this team needs is a stabilizing presence - someone who can handle a corner defensively and bring a mature, consistent bat to the lineup. Noel, for all his power upside, just doesn’t fit that mold right now.
A Tempting Talent - But Not the Right Fit for Chicago
There’s always a chance Noel figures it out. Maybe a new environment helps him refine his swing decisions.
Maybe a coaching staff unlocks more consistent contact. He’s only 24, after all, and power like his doesn’t grow on trees.
But the White Sox aren’t in a position to take that kind of gamble. Not now.
This team needs impact bats who can contribute right away - not another project. They’ve already got one in Pereira.
They need reliability, not volatility. And while Noel might find a home somewhere else - and maybe even make a splash - the fit just isn’t right on the South Side.
So while “Big Christmas” might bring some team a little holiday magic, the White Sox need to stay focused on long-term stability. Chris Getz and the front office have to resist the urge to chase raw tools and instead prioritize proven, dependable production. There are better fits out there - and the search for lineup help should continue elsewhere.