Josh Harrison last appeared in a playoff game in 2015 with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The second baseman is determined to return to the postseason after signing a one-year, $5.5 million deal with the Chicago White Sox.
“It’s been seven years since I’ve been to the playoffs,” Harrison said after Tuesday’s workout at Camelback Ranch. “Joining a team that has already been to the playoffs (in 2020 and ’21) — granted, this year has nothing to do with the previous two years — but I know what I bring to the table. … I’m going to help this team get to the next level.
“Not saying I’m the missing piece because they all had injuries last year. Me coming in on top of them being healthy, I’m going to give them what I’ve got.”
The Sox announced terms of the deal with the two-time All-Star on Tuesday. Harrison, 34, will receive $4 million in 2022, and the Sox hold a $5.5 million option for 2023 with a $1.5 million buyout.
“Josh is a versatile, quality ballplayer,” general manager Rick Hahn said. “(He) gives us the ability to have him play multiple infield positions, whether it’s on a regular basis at second, whether it’s playing some third base or even occasionally the corner outfield. We feel it gives (manager) Tony (La Russa) and the coaches more options to help get us through this season and into October.
“Every step of the way he’s been known as a high-energy, positive influence in the clubhouse. We are happy to have him.”
Hahn said Harrison “absolutely could very well be the opening-day second baseman.”
“He could be there on a regular basis,” Hahn said. “Let’s just see how things unfold over the coming weeks. We obviously like Leury (García’s) versatility and ability to fill in at essentially six positions. Josh is a similar player who gives us the opportunity to mix and match a little bit.
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“Certainly don’t want to discount Romy González or Danny Mendick or even Jake Burger, who we are going to take a look at at various positions as well. We all experienced last season the importance of having depth and multiple options at multiple positions and guys who can play multiple positions. And Josh fits that mold.”
At the plate, Hahn said Harrison “gives you tough at-bats.” He never has struck out more than 90 times in a season during his 11-year career.
“I’ve always been a guy who can put the bat on the ball,” Harrison said. “Part of the game is the hand-eye coordination. You can’t hit a home run if you can’t make contact. You can’t hit a double if you don’t make contact. It’s also no secret guys are throwing hard. So when you have guys throwing harder, sometimes guys put more pressure on themselves to say, ‘I have to do more.’
“I’ve always been a confident guy who believes in myself. I don’t care who is out on the mound. I don’t care if I’ve struck out against you 10 times. I’m going to make it tough on you because at the end of the day, this game is about confidence. … If you are striking out, you aren’t giving yourself a chance to get on base. If I’m fouling off pitches, I’m giving myself a chance to work a walk or get a guy over. Small things win games.”
Harrison has a career .274/.318/.401 slash line with 64 home runs, 351 RBIs and 442 runs in 1,049 games with the Pirates (2011-18), Detroit Tigers (2019), Washington Nationals (2020-21) and Oakland Athletics (2021). He was an All-Star in 2014 and 2017.
“He’s what you look for,” La Russa said. “Competitor, teammate, knows how to win. All that stuff. Will do anything, play anywhere.”
Asked if he expects to start at second, Harrison said: “The expectation is to come in here and help this ballclub win games. If that’s at second base, which is what I’m ready to do now, it will be second base.
“We can sit here and say we expect certain things, but baseball will throw a monkey wrench in a lot of things. Look at last year, they had a lot of injuries. I could be playing second base, and fourth inning of a game could cause me to bounce around for that day.
“I’m always ready to play second, but I have my other gloves.”